Legalism

Legalism was prevalent during Qin dynasty, the state that conquered six other states during the warring period and unified China. Concept of having a strong, central government was especially important since expansion of the Qin dynasty through well-organized, powerful military lead to its domination over other states. Along with promoting strong centralized government, ideas from previously influential Confucianism were regarded as “artful words and empty doctrines”, which led to persecution o myriads of Confucian scholars.
In an ideal legalist society, word of the king is to be considered most important over anything else and people should work to “honor the emperor”. People should farm to “love their ruler and obey his commandments even to death” and should participate in wars to maintain “peace”. On the other hand, scholars, unlike the farmers, are the “glib-tongued”, masters of sophistry, who would eventually lead a state to destruction.
Considering emperor-oriented, totalitarian, and combative qualities of legalist society, it is logical for legalists to ban Confucianism and encourage farming. Scholars, unlike farmers, have profound knowledge and are not be afraid to speak against the ruler if they firmly believe that emperor’s decisions are not appropriate. Because their role in the traditional Confucian society as advisors conflicts with the values of the legalist society, Confucian scholars along with Confucianism were persecuted under the legalist era. Moreover, advocates of legalism feared farmers comparing their lives with those of the respected, successful scholars and becoming dissatisfied with their farming lives.
Overall, Legalism opposed the Confucianism, but advocated a society in which everything is strictly kept under control by emperor’s decisions. Scholars who spoke up when they are not in agreement with the ruler were forbidden; people were encouraged into farming, which would keep them submissive and obedient to the ruler. By doing so, legalist state succeeded in expanding its power, but there was no room for individuality and development of more mature philosophies.