Han Feizi: Greatest Philosopher of Chinese Traditions - Essay Sample

Introduction

Han Feizi's is one of the greatest philosophers in Chinese traditions. He studied with Xunzi, who later influenced Han Feizi's philosophy. After completing his studies, he joined the politics whereby Han Feizi's became the most critics of the Confucianism. More so, Han viewed human nature as primarily self-interested. Although the teachings of Confucius's had a significant influence on the people of China, it faced criticism from various philosophers, including Han Feizi. Also, he criticized the political systems used by tradition leaders. Thus, this paper entails Han Feizi's critics towards Confucianism and the doctrine of political power in society.

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Han Feizi's developed a philosophy known as Legalism to critics the teachings of Confucianism. Also, legalism philosophy shaped the Qin Dynasty after the war with other states. Moreover, contrary to the saying of Confucianism that humans are indeed kind, and through proper conduct, they can get shaped to be good. Legalism states that people are not naturally good but are always driven by self-desire and interest. Also, Han Feizi argued that developing a well-structured society does not necessarily depend on persuasion or ritual as Confucius explains but entails fear of law and authority itself.

Moreover, he stated that people were amenable to punishment and reward. Therefore, Han Feizi's legalism entails a simple understanding of human psychology that does not possess a positive political and moral vision of the society (Harris, 2013). However, the Confucian government was inspired to achieve those virtues in the community.

More so, Han Fei opposed the Confucian claim that a leader should model the government according to the norms and values of ancient sage-kings. He claimed that each stage of human civilization development entails its challenges and problems. Hence, each ruler should create different strategies to deal with each obstacle. Moreover, he criticized the model of the Confucian government due to its heavy reliant on political agents on their moral character. Han Fei did not believe morality was sufficient for prosperity and peace leadership (Harris, 2013). He further criticized the Confucianism group by stating that they only fed the resource of the state with no contributions in return. Also, he claimed if the group is not suppressed or wiped out, it will weaken the political structure and downfall of the nation.

Han Feizi refers to Shenzi's philosophy to explain the application of position power to the social. Also, the position entails the differences in status and power among individuals attributed to the setting of human beings. Shenzi argues that "The serpent roams upon the mist; the flying dragon rides upon the clouds. But when the mist clears and clouds disperse, the serpent and dragon have no different from the ant and earthworm because they have lost the things on which they travel" (Harris, 2013). The saying also explains that unworthy man bows before the worthy. More so, if the excellent person bows before unworthy one; hence, his position of authority is substantial and respected. However, there is no restriction on the power of the position (Harris, 2013). Therefore if the worthy apply it, there is order in the world, while if the unworthy use it, there is no order in the world.

Furthermore, the power of position benefit disorder and enhance order in society. Hence Zhou document says," Do not add wings to a tiger, or it will fly into the cities, snatching up people and devouring them." (Harris, 2013). The statement shows that if the unworthy person acquires the power of position will ruthlessly undermine others. Also, the power of belief always nourishes the spirit of tigers, which results in violent and disorder in the world, making it a dangerous place. The authority has no fixed situations concerning chaos and order.

Han Feizi's philosophy does no rely on the virtue of ministers or rulers. Thus, the philosophy describes the power of position to amoral. The teaching of Han Feizi, he advocates how to acquire power without the necessity of goals and the purpose of the force. More so, the philosopher share advice to rulers on how to avoid getting manipulated by their ministers and to members who would like to overthrow their leaders. Thus, there is an ethical vision based on the work of Han Feizi, whereby he explains how the sage brought order to their states. Han Feizi explains that sage-kings impose punishments on the people not from hate but the concern to them. Also, the philosopher distinguishes between the public and private interests. He later adds that people serve naturally to their interests (Harris, 2013).

More so, Han feizi explains that no one can achieve private interest without the involvement of the public interest. Due to the government system, which entails the power of the ruler, laws, punishment, and rewards. Han Feizi lived in the time of war between many states which contributed to conflict and chaos in many nations. Hence, he believed that rulers should be firm and use their power of position to prevent officials from overthrowing their authority.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Han Feizi's philosophy criticizes Confucianism due to the political system. Also, Han Feizi opposes how Confucius argued that people are naturally good and get driven by their interests. Moreover, Han feizi explains how rulers should exercise the power of position to govern their states from enemies and opposition from other officials. Also, Han feizi elaborates the humans get driven by private interest rather than the public interest.

References

Harris, E. L. (2013). Constraining the ruler: On escaping Han Fei's criticism of Confucian virtue politics. Asian Philosophy, 23(1), 43-61. Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09552367.2013.749641

Harris, E. (2013). Han Feizi. International Encyclopedia of Ethics, 1-7. Retrieved from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/9781444367072.wbiee891