Introduction: The fa Tradition in Chinese Philosophy

The intellectual tradition that is called in Chinese “The School of fa” (fajia 法家) and in English is best known as “Legalism” gained prominence in the latter half of the Warring States period (Zhanguo 戰國, 453–221 BCE). Adherents of the fa tradition (as we prefer to call it henceforth) were political realists who sought to attain a “rich state and a powerful army” (fuguo qiangbing 富國强兵) and to ensure domestic stability in the 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 the ways that benefit the state, namely agriculture and warfare; and a proper administrative system should allow officials to benefit from ranks and emoluments, but also prevent them from illicitly enriching themselves or subverting the ruler’s power. Both systems should remain unconcerned with individual morality of the rulers and the ruled; rather they should be based on impersonal norms and standards most commonly identified as fa 法—laws, administrative regulations, clearly defined rules of promotion and demotion, and the like. These recommendations were duly implemented in many of the competing polities, most notably the state of Qin 秦, which successfully unified the Chinese world and established the first imperial dynasty in 221 BCE.