Legalism and Daoism: A Comparative Analysis of Mystical Elements in Ancient Chinese Philosophies
Keywords:
Yellow Emporer, Han Feizi, Han China, Political Behavior, Pragmatism, Wu WeiAbstract
Legalism and Daoism represent two distinct philosophical traditions that emerged during ancient China’s Warring States period, each offering unique perspectives on governance and human conduct. Legalism, epitomized by figures like Shang Yang and Han Fei, emphasizes strict adherence to laws and regulations as essential for maintaining social order and political stability. In contrast, Daoism, attributed to Laozi and Zhuangzi, advocates for natural spontaneity (wu wei) and harmony with the Dao, a cosmic principle underlying all existence. This paper undertakes a comparative analysis of these philosophical systems, focusing on their mystical elements and their implications for governance and societal values. Key research questions include examining how mystical concepts such as cosmic alignment, the role of the ruler and ethical conduct are articulated within Legalist and Daoist texts and exploring their influence on later Chinese philosophical and religious thought. This study sheds light on the nuanced interplay between pragmatic governance and metaphysical speculation in ancient Chinese philosophy.
References
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Ames, R. T., & Hall, D. L. (2003). Daoism and Chinese philosophy. In E. N. Zalta (Ed.), The Stanford encyclopedia of philosophy (Winter 2020 Edition). Stanford University. Retrieved from https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/win2020/entries/daoism/
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