POLI 2P91 Lecture Notes - Lecture 15: Taoism, Han Feizi
13 Nov 2015
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Document Summary
A declining power in china"s warring states period (403-221 bce) which is about to be conquered by qin. Because of what is happening han feizi seems to have a very cynical view of the world. Sent to qin as emissary, but betrayed by former schoolmates, takes poison while imprisoned. Key figure in legalist tradition (a. k. a chinese realism ) that goes against mencius and. Mozi arguing for importance of institutions over personal virtue of the rules. Theory of ruler ship influenced by daoism (laozi) so non-action is key to being a good ruler don"t let ministers (advisors) know what you like or dislike keep true desires hidden to make wise people do their work. Want smart people to do what is best not what they think the ruler desires. A good ruler must know how to use the two-handles punishment and reward/favour to prevent the rise of tigers and thieves .
