Debate: Legalism

[Anonymous]

I did not attend the session on Saturday, but I will contribute since this was my assigned portion last year. i find it fascinating that the Legalist thought is sort of the basis for modern China. It lends itself to the reasoning for unification of China and the need for an authoritarian government. The beliefs of the legalists are such that people are essentially bad and the government will lead to order and structure. There is so much here that is part of modern China. If scholars or people disagreed withthe school of thought, books were destroyed, etc. not unlike today. One cannot sound off against the government. There is no room for individual thought that would be detrimental to the government, in this case to the military. Another interesting thought with legalists is that if you strengthen the agrarian society, you will strengthen the country and the military. Foucs is always on the government. Love the legalists.

[Anonymous]

I enjoy the Legalist position--you need strong government and strict laws with clear, harsh consequences. In some ways, it is very similar to the way some people run their classrooms/schools. It is not all bad--it just assumes that people cannot make decisions for themselves and that they may choose poorly if given options: people are ignorant, the ruler is wise. . . don't consult the people but the results will benefit them. It is sort of a benevolent dictatorship. As dictatorial regimes fall around the globe (Iraq to Libya, etc) it is interesting to note how difficult it is to "fill the shoes" of a strongman with democracy.

[Rob_Hugo@PortNW]

Legalists, please share your thoughts below!

[Anonymous]

I like legalism. Although it can be very harsh, I think it is a great start to trying to organize a state. Before you can start to loosen up and allow more freedom and choices I think it is a good idea to teach the people what is expected of them. And to just hope that people are going to follow the rules is to hope for the impossible. Without consequences rules and laws do not really have much meaning. I think you should be strict and harsh at first and then you can move on and teach the ideas that are good in Confucianism and Daoism.

[Author]

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