Legalism

Warring States period

intense fighting between rival Chinese states

Shang Yang

Qin state official; founder of legalism

Han Feizi

Han official; creator of essays to help leaders organize legalist governments

Li Si

Qi state official; killed Han Feizi out of jealousy

Legalism institutions

Punishment + rewards; natural allegiance; harsh laws

Legalism belief

All men are naturally selfish/bad