Legalism

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Legalism is an ancient Chinese philosophy was originally created by Shang Yang in __The Book of Lord Shang.__ First seen in the //Era of Warring States//, a period of time in Chinese History marked by violence and war, Legalism, Daoism, Confucianism, and Mohism were each utilized in an attempt to create “social harmony”. =====

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This philosophy capitalizes on government control and power with strict laws, harsh punishments and a strong military. Ruled by Force, in Legalism it is believed that Power is equal to Strength and Kindness is equal to Weakness. In this philosophy it is believed that humans are born self-centered and egotistical; and need a powerful government with a strong military to lead them. =====

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An example of Legalist thinking: "If everyone is given equal opportunity to succeed, it must be the hardworking who become rich and the lazy who become poor. Now if the ruler takes money from the rich to give to the poor he is robbing the rich of their hard work and rewarding the poor for their laziness =====

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Legalists support laws that help maintain the military, the state, and the ruler. Legalists also consider equality especially important; they believe that neither the powerful nor the weak should escape state control or be above the law. Legalism supporters believed that this would serve as a catalyst to control the general public and eliminate opposition.=====

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In later history the intrinsic worth of Legalist thinking was questioned and eventually discredited as a separate school of thought. However modern observers of the Confucian faith believe that mainstream Confucianism has a Legalist core.=====

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=Citations= Wikipedia - Legalism (Chinese Philosophy) @http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legalism_ (Chinese_philosophy) = = World Civilizations Advanced Placement Textbook wps.ablongman.com/long_stearns_wcap_3/ = =