Final answer:
The Legalists are considered the 'black sheep' of Chinese philosophy due to their emphasis on strict laws and authoritative state control, contrasting with the moral and harmonious ideals of Confucianism and Daoism. Their brutal methods influenced the Qin dynasty and were later admired by Chairman Mao, yet this contributed to their unpopularity and negative perception throughout Chinese history.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Legalists were often considered the 'black sheep' of Chinese philosophy because their ideas starkly contrasted with other prevalent philosophies like Daoism and Confucianism. While Daoism emphasized harmony with nature and Confucianism focused on morality and proper behavior, Legalists believed that a strong, centralized state enforced by harsh laws and strict punishments was essential for maintaining order and control. The Legalist philosophy culminated during the Warring States period, where political survival often trumped moral considerations.
Legalists like Han Feizi criticized Confucian ideals as naive and advocated for a pragmatic approach to governance, which revolved around a "rich country and a strong army." They held that law and its strict enforcement were the only means to ensure societal order because people are inherently self-interested and would only follow moral codes if it benefitted themselves. This ruthless political philosophy influenced the Qin dynasty, particularly Qin Shi Huang, who applied Legalist strategies to consolidate his power. However, the harshness and rigidity of Legalist rule eventually led to the Qin dynasty's quick downfall, as it incited revolts and lacked adaptability.
Chairman Mao later expressed admiration for Legalist methods and applied them during his reign, suggesting a recurring theme of Legalist influences in Chinese politics. Despite their significant impact on historical statecraft, the Legalist philosophy's lack of moral underpinnings and its utilitarian approach to law and governance has kept it controversial and often maligned in the context of traditional Chinese philosophical discourse.