History glossary
Legalism
a Chinese tradition of statecraft that emphasised clear laws, central authority, rewards, punishments and administrative control.
- Category
- Political philosophy
- Region
- China
- Date range
- Warring States period-Qin dynasty
What it means
Legalism was a Chinese tradition of statecraft associated with Warring States thinkers and Qin rule. It argued that order depended less on moral persuasion than on strong institutions, clear laws, strict enforcement, rewards for useful service and punishments for disobedience.
