Legalists

[Anonymous]

One of the most famous proponents of Legalism was Shang Yang whose demise is a lesson, not just in irony, but also in what could happen if a regime and/or a person is inflexible. When Prince Si, son of Duke Xiao, ruler of China was an adolescent he committed a crime. The then minister Shang Yang had just implemented his authoritarian reforms to the laws of Qin and he insisted that the crown prince be punished for the crime regardless of his royal status. Duke Xiao approved of the punishment and Si's tutors, Prince Qian and Gongsun Jia, had their noses cut off, for neglecting their duties in educating the crown prince, while Prince Si was banished from the royal palace. Later when Si became the new ruler of Qin, he ordered the execution of Shang Yang and his family for encouraging rebellion. Yang went into hiding and tried to stay at a hotel. The hotel owner refused because it was against the law that to admit a guest without proper identification, a law Yang himself had implemented. Yang was found and executed by dismemberment by being fastened to five chariots and torn to pieces. Yang was a believer in the rule of law, unfortunately for him; he lived in an authoritarian state, in which the ruler believed he was above the law.

[Anonymous]

This anecdote on the death of Yang seems like a fitting punishment for Yang after he was so inflexible regarding the way government and people see the law. Nevertheless, he was following the law, but he forgot about human baser feelings such as revenge, thus punishing himself by punishing others. This anecdote was very interesting and it could be quite useful in the classroom as a lesson opener to grab the students attention. Cheers!

[Anonymous]

I'm just a po' boy from a poor family. I have a simple mind, not much a one for reading. I work hard but sometimes we go hungry. Meanwhile, those richer folks over yonder, they got it good. They belittle me. I can't stand them wheelers, dealers and stealers with their brainy tricks. They get praise from the corrupt upper-ups while we get to trudge along miserably. Now you ask me about these Legalist types. They're promising protection and practical assistance with the farming, something useful. Sure they're a lot of rules and laws to respect. That ain't going to bother me too much. I'm an honest type. Besides, I want the cheats to get caught and punished. Another thing I care about is attacks from marauders. A strong military will protect our land and our families. In fact, I'm thinking of joining up and get me some of them nice boots and a uniform. Just imagine a nobody like me becoming part of something big, maintaining law and order, chasing off the enemy. Those legalists are strict, but they've got a plan. Not like them riddle-talking lounger Daoists. And don't you get me started on them Confucianists and Mohists; they're just a bunch of clever sorts talking about good and bad and everything in between. No, I'm sticking with the man with a plan and the big army.

Well, not much daylight left now. Better grab yourself a shovel or pick. We got us a wall to build.

[Anonymous]

I chose Daoism because I feel if left alone things can and usually will work out for the better. However, I also feel that Legalism is how most of the world is ran. When we do the right thing weather it is being respectful to people, paying bills on time, raising children correctly , obeying the law , honoring family members, or helping people, we are rewarded for those deeds. And when we don't do those things accordingly, we are punished in one way or another. Because of that I feel like I live my life as a Legalist. Please, by all means correct me if I am wrong or if I don't get it.

[Anonymous]

Gruesome image of someone being quartered! This will definitely grab students attention since I had to sit up a little straighter at the very thought of this idea. It just shows the extreme beliefs and actions people will adhere to in any society.
edited by nfreeman on 11/16/2012

[Anonymous]

This story makes me glad to be a Mohist! Legalism was above all practical and offered people a chance to stabilize life in China. The cost was high if this story is even the tip of the ice berg. Many people were punished and even executed for minor infractions even if the punishment didn't make sense. This is the down side of such a "practical" philosophy that is focused on getting things done.

[Anonymous]

I chose Confusionism because I most agree with this school of thought. However, I do recognize that I also agree with some concepts of the legalist. I do believe that society needs some type of norms to go by. I do not agree that humans are naturally bad and predictable. I definilty do not believe that humans should be manipulated. Although I understand the importance of defending a Nation, I do not complety believe in war of harsh punishment.

[Rob_Hugo@PortNW]

Legalists can share their thoughts and ideas below:

Covarrubias, Miguel
Jessel, Richard
Sharpe, Gina
Valiulis, Gintaras

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