Han Fei was a Chinese philosopher who lived during the late Warring States period. He promoted the political philosophy of Legalism, which became influential during the Qin Dynasty. Major Legalist principles included believing human nature is selfish, discouraging intellectualism, establishing law as the supreme authority over morality, requiring a strong and punishing ruler, and using war to strengthen the ruler's power. Legalism supported an authoritarian form of government with a powerful ruler maintaining control over subjects.

1. Legalism

2. Han Fei

3. Han Fei
* 280? - 233 B.C.E.

4. Han Fei
* 280? - 233 B.C.E.
* Han Fe Zi.

5. Han Fei
* 280? - 233 B.C.E.
* Han Fe Zi.
* Lived during the
late Warring States
period.

6. Han Fei
* 280? - 233 B.C.E.
* Han Fe Zi.
* Lived during the
late Warring States
period.
* Legalism became
the political
philosophy of the
Qin [Ch’in] Dynasty.

7. Major Legalist Principles

8. Major Legalist Principles
1. Human nature is naturally selfish.

9. Major Legalist Principles
1. Human nature is naturally selfish.
2. Intellectualism and literacy is
discouraged.

10. Major Legalist Principles
1. Human nature is naturally selfish.
2. Intellectualism and literacy is
discouraged.
3. Law is the supreme authority and
replaces morality.

11. Major Legalist Principles
1. Human nature is naturally selfish.
2. Intellectualism and literacy is
discouraged.
3. Law is the supreme authority and
replaces morality.
4. The ruler must rule with a strong,
punishing hand.

12. Major Legalist Principles
1. Human nature is naturally selfish.
2. Intellectualism and literacy is
discouraged.
3. Law is the supreme authority and
replaces morality.
4. The ruler must rule with a strong,
punishing hand.
5. War is the means of strengthening
a ruler’s power.

13. Authoritarian

14. Authoritarian
One who favors the principle
that individuals should obey
a powerful authority rather
than exercise individual
freedom.

15. Authoritarian
One who favors the principle
that individuals should obey
a powerful authority rather
than exercise individual
freedom.
The ruler, therefore, “cracks
his whip” on the backs of his
subjects!

16. Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679)
 Leviathan
 Society = Lord of the Flies
 People passionate, but
reasonable.
 Strong leader needed:
keep order.