Legalism

Legalism

 * Legalism was formed by Shang Yang
 * Meant to stregthen the government and reinforce adherence to the law
 * The first adopters of legalism were the statesman Shang Yang of the State of Qin
 * The legal elments of Yang’s theories were based on The Book of Law written by Li Kui
 * The theories enforced the idea that all people are flawed and that strict laws and harsh punishments are required to keep them in order
 * The theory thought of all humanity as being selfish and evil
 * The laws were meant to support the state, the emperor, and his military
 * Set up to make model citizens behave and act how the dynasty wanted them to act against their will
 * The individual had no civil rights and any personal freedom had to stregthen the ruler

Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legalism_(Chinese_philosophy) http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/CHPHIL/LEGALISM.HTM