Legalism and Confucianism - Used by Leaders in Ancient China Societies

Legalism

Confucianism, as defined by yourdictionary.com, is the ethical teachings formulated by Confucius and introduced into Chinese religion, emphasizing devotion to parents, family and friends, cultivation of the mind, self control, and just social activity. This has been a way of life for the Chinese since the 6th-5th century BC. In Chinese history during the Han Dynasty legalism was used as a new philosophy to rule China. Legalism can be defined as a utilitarian political philosophy that does not take into account questions such as the nature and purpose of life. Legalism and Confucianism have different views on how societies should run. Confucianism seems to be a better option for society than Legalism because it promotes strong relationships between individuals in society, importance on education, and movement in social classes.

Relationships between individuals in society differ in legalism from Confucianism. In Legalism people are taught to not focus on being loving and caring, instead they are taught to be suspicious and spy on everyone around them including family. They are also expected to report any law or rule breaking to the authorities. This creates a society that has no trust among its fellow men. Every one is suspicious of each other, and is a very difficult and intense way to life your life, not knowing whether a friend or family member is going to turn on you. Confucianism promotes a much better way of living. In a Confucius society people are taught to respect one another and live by the golden rule. The golden rule as stated in Confucianism is "Do not treat others what you would not like yourself. Then there will be no resentment against you, either in the family or in the society".

Legalism and Confucianism have different views on education. Legalists wanted people to think the same way and not gain too much knowledge. Educated people and books were destroyed if they disagreed with legalists' beliefs. This led to the deaths of many educated people and lowered the education of the entire society. Confucianism had a much better view on education. Education was considered most important of all things that someone could have. An example would be, that an uneducated ruler is no better than an educated common person. In Confucianism people had the chance to have a bread education, whereas legalists were told what to think, basically they had thoughts put into their heads.

Confucianism's view is directly related to their views on social mobility. In Confucianism a person that studies hard and becomes educated then can move up in social class. A man does not need to be born into nobility to get a high-ranking position in the ruling party, he needs to prove himself worthy through his education, for example a farmer, given opportunity to be educated could become a high-ranking official in the ruling party. In legalism, improving you social status depended