Stone statue of a seated man with a long beard and traditional hat, resting his chin on one hand with scrolls beside him—an image evoking the deep contemplation found in Legalism and ancient philosophy, set outdoors with trees in the background.

Legalism | Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

This resource from Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy provides an overview of Legalism. Legalism became popular in the latter half of the Warring States period as a representation of the teachings and beliefs of the scholars Han Fei, Shen Buhai, and Shang Yang. The goal of these legalists was to attain “a rich state and a powerful army” and to focus on the stability of the government and the people in such a turbulent time as the Warring States period. The basis of legalism was the belief that humans are inherently selfish, and shouldn’t be expected to act morally and abstain from coveting wealth and power. Instead, legalists believed that commoners and elites alike should be allowed to strive for wealth and fame in ways that benefitted the state, such as agricultural pursuits and warfare. Legalism, along with Daoism and Confucianism, is one of China’s foundational philosophies.

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