Answer to Question #176581 in History for Fbbs

Question

Why did the Han dynasty base its administrative and educational system on a combination of Legalism and Confucianism? Your response should address two things: a) the Han system of government; b) the most essential aspects of the two philosophies, such as li, ren (humaneness), junzi (sages), and filial piety.

Answer 1

The Han Dynasty was a supreme dynasty of China, preceded by the Qin dynasty(221-280 EC). The initial Western Han court simultaneously acknowledged the philosophical teachings of Legalism and Confucianism in making state decisions and shaping national policy.

Confucianism is a Chinese ethical and intelligent system developed from the teachings of the Chinese philosophers (551-479 BCE). moreover, the Han dynasty administration and education system was based on Confucianism to promotes the state's harmonious relationships, the morality of filial piety, traditional ceremonies, and righteousness. the Han dynasty sages believed that human being engaged in immoral behavior through the inadequacy of strong moral laws. however, the Confucianism system was established consisting of ethical codes and rituals that every citizen must adhere to it, therefore, enabling people in the society to live peacefully and prosperously.

Legalism is a potential realist reform-oriented doctrine that was meant to consolidate government policies and reinforce compliance to the state law and regulations, intensifying a strict system of punishment to those who violate laws and awards to maintain law and statute.