From Legalism to Confucianism and Daoism in Chinese Philosophy
Legalism is a governing philosophy of total domination through harsh repression, standardization, and collective punishment, historically the ruling ideology of China's first imperial (Qin) system. In the domain of classical Chinese philosophy, Legalism is contrasted with the two enduring value systems that emerged from the same Warring States period — Confucianism (harmony in social and political relations) and Daoism (harmony with nature) — which displaced Legalism as China's dominant long-term philosophical and spiritual traditions.
From Legalism to Confucianism and Daoism in Chinese Philosophy
Legalism is a governing philosophy of total domination through harsh repression, standardization, and collective punishment, historically the ruling ideology of China's first imperial (Qin) system. I…