Legalism refers to an intellectual, political, and philosophical orientation beginning in the Warring States period of China. While heterogeneous, the Legalists generally shared a view of most people
Statue of the legalist Shang Yang
The seven major states of the Warring States period, c. 260 BCE. The Jixia Academy, where many proto-Daoist and Legalist thinkers were active, was located in the state of Qi.
Book of Han or Hanshu, carved in the Ming dynasty, in the Tian Yi Chamber Library collection
A late 19th-century edition of the Hanfeizi by Hongwen Book Company
Qin Shi Huang
Videos
Qin Shi Huang was the founder of the Qin dynasty and the first emperor of China. He invented the title huángdì rather than reuse the existing title for "king"; the new title was used by monarchs in Ch
Legalism (Chinese philosophy)
…correct, both the ignorant and the knowledgeable can understand them. Book of Lord Shang Ch26. 故聖人為法，必使之明白易知，名正，愚知徧能知之 Sima Qian's Shiji attests the First Emperor as proclaiming Xing-Mings's practice. Though it is questionable that Xing-Ming was an integrated part of a legal system in Shen Buhai's time, it arguably…
Imaginary depiction of Qin Shi Huang, 19th century
An 18th-century portrait of Qin Shi Huang
Jing Ke's assassination attempt on Qin Shi Huang; Jing Ke (left) is held by one of Qin Shi Huang's physicians (left, background). The dagger used in the assassination attempt is seen stuck in the pillar. Qin Shi Huang (right) is seen holding an imperial jade disc. One of his soldiers (far right) rushes to save his emperor – stone rubbing, Eastern Han (3rd century).
Modern sculpture depicting Qin Shi Huang on his imperial tour