Han Fei Tzu or Han Feizi, was one of the greatest philosopher philosophers of China. His essays on autocratic rule so impressed Qin Shi Huang that the future emperor adopted his principles after taking power in 221 BC. The Hanfeizi, the book that bears his name, comprises a synthesis of legal theories up to his time.

This philosopher created a doctrine called Legalism.

The political thought of the Legista School is utilitarian. Its main objective is to strengthen the power of the monarch. He considers that the virtuous man can not strengthen a kingdom very much if he acts against what motivates him and can not give the people many benefits if he does not take into account his reward. " He also advocates not allowing other ideas that were not those of the monarch. The basis of the functioning of the state has to be in the laws. In legal thought these three concepts are important: "the legal system", (法 fǎ), "the political stratagem" (术 shù) and "the authority" (势 shì). "The legal system" refers to the ideal state must have very strict laws, reward people who provide benefits and punish lawbreakers. "The political stratagem" (术 shù) means that the monarch has to know what means are adequate to govern well, he must face his political opponents and maintain his power and rank. "Authority" (势 shì) means that the monarch must maintain a good and iron authority and must know how to control his ministers.

In principle we see as advantages that this model seeks to keep society within a legal system in which all opinions and freedoms are respected, but as a disadvantage we can see that the authoritarian power granted to the emperor would make it impossible to maintain freedoms and it would only favor the maintenance of power in a small group.

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