14 Legalism & Mozi

In this lecture, Legalism and Mozi's contributions to classical Chinese thought are examined. Legalism, often termed Realism, prioritizes practical governance and the centralization of power through law. Mozi, a Utilitarian thinker, critiques Confucian ceremonialism and advocates for universal love. These contrasting ideologies shed light on differing approaches to governance and societal organization. Despite Legalism's initial dominance, it faces rhetorical suppression under the Confucian-dominated rhetoric. Meanwhile, Mozi's ideas gradually recede from mainstream discourse, reflecting divergent trajectories in Chinese intellectual history. This lecture explores their enduring impact on Chinese governance and philosophical discourse.