Question

Argument Chinese Governments - Argument Letter

Student Directions - Part 1

Because of the enormous size of the Chinese empire, the emperor needs government officials throughout the land to help maintain control and carry outlaws. The Emperor has chosen you, the chancellor, to help determine one of the following government systems to rule:

A. Bureaucracy of appointed officials, who are given their jobs by the government (Tang Dynasty)
B. Meritocracy of scholars who have proven their worth through tests, being the most qualified (Song Dynasty)
PLEASE HELP

Using 12.1 notes from both the Tang’s bureaucracy and Song’s meritocracy, determine which dynasty has the best government structure for the majority of the citizens. In a multi-paragraph letter (essay), to the emperor, with a clear claim stating which governmental type is better, be sure to address why the other choice is not as good. Keep in mind that concession/rebuttals need to match.

Answer 1

Legalism in Chinese Philosophy

First published Wed Dec 10, 2014; substantive revision Fri Nov 16, 2018

Legalism is a popular—albeit quite inaccurate—designation of an intellectual current that gained considerable popularity in the latter half of the Warring States period (Zhanguo, 453–221 BCE). Legalists were political realists who sought to attain a “rich state and a powerful army” and to ensure domestic stability in an age marked by intense inter- and intra-state competition. They believed that human beings—commoners and elites alike—will forever remain selfish and covetous of riches and fame, and one should not expect them to behave morally. Rather, a viable sociopolitical system should allow individuals to pursue their selfish interests exclusively in ways that benefit the state, viz. agriculture and warfare. Parallel to this, a proper administrative system should allow officials to benefit from ranks and emoluments, but also prevent them from subverting the ruler’s power. Both systems are unconcerned with individual morality of the rulers and the ruled; rather they should be based on impersonal norms and standards: laws, administrative regulations, clearly defined rules of promotion and demotion, and the like.

Legalist thinkers contributed greatly to the formation of China’s empire both on the theoretical level and as political practitioners; and many of their ideas continued to be employed throughout China’s history. Yet their derisive views of moralizing discourse of their rivals, their haughty stance toward fellow intellectuals, and their pronouncedly anti-ministerial rhetoric all gained them immense dislike among the imperial literati. From China’s second imperial dynasty, the Han (206/202 BCE–220 CE) on, the prestige of Legalism declined; only a few texts associated with this current survived intact; and even in the modern period, notwithstanding sporadic outbursts of interest in Legalism, this current has not received adequate scholarly attention.

Step-by-step explanation:

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