The Relationship Between Extremism and the Decline of Legalism During the Warring States Period

1. Introduction

In ancient China, the Warring States period (481-221 BCE) saw a continuous struggle between different states for supremacy. This led to the development of new ideas and philosophies, as well as military strategies, in an attempt to gain an advantage over rivals. Legalism was one such philosophy that rose to prominence during this time.

Legalism is a school of thought that emphasises the need for strict laws and harsh punishments in order to maintain order. It was first developed by Han Feizi and Li Si, two of the most influential legalist thinkers of the Warring States period. The Qin dynasty (221-206 BCE), which unified China at the end of the period, was also strongly influenced by legalism.

However, in spite of its importance during the Warring States period, legalism declined in popularity after the unification of China. This was due to the rise of Confucianism and Taoism, two competing philosophies that offered different perspectives on how society should be organised. In this essay, I will discuss the relationship between extremism and the decline of legalism during the Warring States period. I will argue that while extremism may have played a role in the rise of legalism, it also contributed to its eventual decline.

2. Extremism and Legalism

2.1 Han Feizi and Li Si

As mentioned earlier, legalism was developed by Han Feizi and Li Si. Han Feizi (c.280-233 BCE) was a philosopher who wrote a book called The Art of War, which outlined his views on how military strategy could be used to maintain order within a state. Li Si (c.280-208 BCE), on the other hand, was a politician who served as prime minister under the first emperor of China, Qin Shihuangdi (r.221-210 BCE). He was responsible for compiling The Book of Laws, which contained a set of detailed regulations governing all aspects of life within the Qin empire.

Both Han Feizi and Li Si were proponents of legalism, and their ideas had a significant impact on the Qin dynasty. The Qin emperor relied heavily on legalist principles in his rule, and this led to a period of strong centralisation and authoritarianism. Under the Qin dynasty, laws were strictly enforced and punishments were severe. This helped to maintain order within the empire, but it also caused widespread discontent among the people.

2. 2 The Qin dynasty

The Qin dynasty was founded by Qin Shihuangdi, who conquered all other states and united China for the first time in 221 BCE. He established himself as emperor and implemented a series of reforms designed to standardise life within his empire. These reforms included standardising weights and measures, creating a uniform system of writing, and building roads and canals for transportation and communication purposes.
To enforce these reforms, he relied heavily on legalist principles. He enacted strict laws with severe punishments, and this led to a period of centralisation and authoritarianism. Under his rule, many people were unhappy with the way they were treated, and this eventually led to revolts against his rule. In 206 BCE, these revolts succeeded in overthrowing the Qin dynasty, after which China once again became divided into rival states.

3. Decline of Legalism

3.1 Confucianism

Confucianism is a philosophy that emphasises the need for individuals to maintain harmonious relationships with others. It was developed by Confucius (551-479 BCE), who was a teacher and philosopher from the state of Lu. His ideas were later elaborated on by his followers, known as the Confucians.

During the Warring States period, Confucianism competed with legalism for influence over rulers. However, it was not until after the unification of China that Confucianism began to overtake legalism in popularity. This was due to the fact that Confucian ideas were more compatible with the way society was organised under the Han dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE), which succeeded the Qin dynasty.

The Han dynasty saw a return to the feudal system of government, and this meant that relationships between ruling elites and their subjects became more important. Confucian ideas about filial piety, respect for elders, and harmonious relationships fit well with this system, and so they became increasingly popular during this time.
In addition, Confucian ideas about education and morality were also seen as being more beneficial to society than legalist principles of strict laws and harsh punishments. As a result, Confucianism became the dominant philosophy during the Han dynasty, and legalism declined in popularity.

3. 2 Taoism

Taoism is a philosophy that emphasises the need to live in harmony with the Tao, or ‘the way’. It was developed by Laozi (c.6th century BCE), who was a sage from the state of Chu. His ideas were later elaborated on by his followers, known as the Taoists.

Like Confucianism, Taoism also competed with legalism for influence during the Warring States period. However, it was not until after the unification of China that Taoism began to overtake legalism in popularity. This was due to the fact that Taoist ideas were more compatible with the way society was organised under the Han dynasty.
The Han dynasty saw a return to the feudal system of government, and this meant that relationships between ruling elites and their subjects became more important. Taoist ideas about wu wei (non-action) and living in harmony with nature fit well with this system, and so they became increasingly popular during this time.
In addition, Taoist ideas about immortality and life after death were also seen as being more beneficial to society than legalist principles of strict laws and harsh punishments. As a result, Taoism became the dominant philosophy during the Han dynasty, and legalism declined in popularity.

4. Conclusion

In conclusion, it is clear that the relationship between extremism and the decline of legalism during the Warring States period was a complex one. While extremism may have played a role in the rise of legalism, it also contributed to its eventual decline. This was due to the fact that competing philosophies, such as Confucianism and Taoism, were seen as being more beneficial to society than legalism. As a result, Confucianism and Taoism became the dominant philosophies during the Han dynasty, and legalism declined in popularity.

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