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How Did Legalism Change Over Time

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Since the start of the Chin dynasty, countless philosophies were developed and preserved throughout time. Legalism, which was created by Han Fei, is an example of change through time as many punishments got weaker and strict laws were declined. On the other hand, one of the main philosophies that show continuity is Confucianism and the ideas of respecting the superior people were developed throughout time. In fact, Mandate of Heaven, a belief of rulers receiving blessings of the gods, is also an example of continuity in philosophies. In summary, during the time period between 221 B.C to 618 A.D in China, Legalism went through many significant changes, while Confucianism and Mandate of Heaven stayed constant.
During the period from Chin Dynasty to the Sui Dynasty, Legalism changed significantly throughout time as they set harsh treatments as punishments. Legalism, a philosophy that includes the idea that human nature is selfish, was …show more content…

One continuity of Mandate of Heaven was when it caused peasant rebellions, and peasants rising up by declaring the Mandate of Heaven. For example, the founder of Han Dynasty, Liu Bang, stood up with the Mandate of Heaven when he led the peasant rebellion. Like this, Mandate of Heaven determines whether the emperor of China is sufficient enough to rule their country. As an Emperor, if he fails to fulfill his obligations, he loses the mandate and the right to be an Emperor. Another important continuity between 221 B.C to 618 A.D was the Dynastic Cycle, which is the political theory of how a dynasty begins and ends. For example, all dynasties fell when going through the dynastic cycle. Natural disasters and problems such as earthquakes and flood, caused citizens to think that the Emperor lost his Mandate. This led the peasant rebellions at the end and the start of every other

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