WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Legalism in ancient China was a philosophical belief that human beings are more inclined to do wrong than right because they are motivated entirely by self-interest and require strict laws to control their impulses. It was developed by the philosopher Han Feizi (l. c. 280-233 BCE) of the state of Qin.

Detailed explanation-2: -The Legalists advocated government by a system of laws that rigidly prescribed punishments and rewards for specific behaviours. They stressed the direction of all human activity toward the goal of increasing the power of the ruler and the state.

Detailed explanation-3: -Instead Legalism stressed strict laws and harsh punishments. It was based on the belief that humans were by nature evil and needed a strong government to fulfill their duties. Many nobles favored Legalism, and it was the philosophy of the Qin dynasty. Legalism eventually gave way to Confucianism.

Detailed explanation-4: -In Chinese philosophy, the concept of human nature emphasizes that humans are fundamentally different from birds, beasts, and animals. The discussion of human nature in Chinese philosophy often involves distinguishing humans from animals.

Detailed explanation-5: -Xunzi’s most famous dictum is that “the nature of man is evil; his goodness is only acquired training.” What Xunzi preached was thus essentially a philosophy of culture.

Detailed explanation-6: -Legalism. Although Confucianism and Daoism are the Chinese philosophies that have endured most to this day, even more important to this early period was a lesser-known philosophy called Legalism. This held that humans are inherently bad and need to be kept in line by a strong state.