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Utilitarianism and Legalism

Utilitarianism and Legalism. Mo-tzu and Han Fei-tzu. Utilitarianism. Good is not determined by virtue, but by happiness Happiness is self-interest Self-interest is not partiality but universality

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Utilitarianism and Legalism

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  1. Utilitarianism and Legalism Mo-tzu and Han Fei-tzu

  2. Utilitarianism • Good is not determined by virtue, but by happiness • Happiness is self-interest • Self-interest is not partiality but universality • Both Confucianism and Taoism presuppose an order; Utilitarianism and Legalism construct that order

  3. Mo-tzu and Universal Love • “Impartial concern” • Promote what is beneficial to the world and eliminate what is harmful (462) • Harm comes from partiality • We know partiality is wrong • Therefore, we should promote universality • Universality is trying to benefit others

  4. Critiques and responses • Universality cannot be put to use (464) • To whom would you entrust your parents? • Universality cannot be used to select a ruler (464) • In times of difficulty which type of ruler would you want?

  5. Critiques and responses • Universality cannot be carried out (465) • Examples of past practice—the four sage kings • Great Oath, Oath of Yü, Speech of Tang, Odes of Chou • Filial duty must come first (this is partiality) (467) • Must love the fathers of others so that they will benefit mine

  6. Final points • People will do difficult things to please superiors • Universal love and mutual benefit are profitable (468)

  7. Legalism—the Way of the Ruler • How is ultimate power maintained? • Don’t reveal desires or will (469) • From place of darkness, observe the defects of others • Assign one to each office and don’t let them talk • Guard your door (470)

  8. Legalism • How is a ruler blocked? • Ministers shut ruler out • They control the wealth and resources • They issue orders as they please • They do righteous deeds in their own name • They build cliques

  9. Way of the ruler • Treasure stillness and reserve (470) • Bestows rewards, but is never over liberal • Doles out punishment and is never over-lenient

  10. Wielding Power • Don’t let power be seen • Reflect on the principle behind affairs • Establish order, rank, duty • Don’t argue (473) • Don’t lower oneself, be godlike in isolation, don’t be intimate • Delegate

  11. Wielding Power • Apply laws (474) • Destroy conclaves • Prune trees! • Power should be wielded like lightening (475)

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