Political Foundations In The Thought of Han Feizi: “Law” and “Order”

Abstract

Eastern Zhou Dynasty (B.C.770-B.C. 221), when philosophy had originated in ancient China, is a period in which different doctrines had been explained to restore social order. Han Feizi (B.C. 280-B.C 236), had lived in Warring States Period (B.C 476- B.C. 221), has been referred as a philosopher who built and politically codified the principles of the school of Law which is one of the schools of thought established in China, also called Legalism. In case, the different quiddity of the doctrine of Han Feizi is the comprehension based upon the strict rules in order to restore social order. As view of Han Feizi, the main reason of wars in the country and the period of chaos caused by battle is the breakdown of political authority. In this regard, to provide political integrity, the polity has to be established on base of “law”. Such an order should get through every class from dynasty to community and prohibitions should impose in the disciplines of equality and justice. Furthermore, the ones who obey the rules should be rewarded and the ones who break the rules should be punished. Forwhy, permanence of the sovereignty is essential in the thought of Han Feizi. So the doctrine of Han Feizi had greatly influenced the polity of government in the next periods and indeed China, has been administrated by the principles of Legalism throughout the historical process. Consequently in this study, the difference in the doctrine of Han Feizi will be examined in detail and the primary source of the political thought, holds a social order within “law-based”, will be analyzed.