Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The article aims to clarify the content of Han Fei's thought and draw out its significance for current philosophy. The hypothesis is whether or not Han Fei's dialectical thought is an important foundation for explaining the operation of power and law in the construction and consolidation of state power in ancient China. The research employs a qualitative methodology, combining historical-textual analysis with comparative philosophy. Primary sources, including Han Fei's foundational works such as Han Feizi, are critically examined alongside relevant commentaries and secondary literature. Comparative insights are drawn by juxtaposing Han Fei’s ideas with classical Western dialectics to highlight their unique contributions. The results reveal that Han Fei's dialectic thought, characterised by its pragmatic orientation and emphasis on the interplay of law (fa), strategy (shu), and authority (shi), offers a cohesive framework for understanding power dynamics and human behaviour. The study identifies novel aspects, including Han Fei's emphasis on the contradictions inherent in human nature and governance, which were not systematically addressed in other Chinese philosophical schools. The findings underscore the practical significance of Han Fei's dialectics, particularly in addressing political stability, ethical leadership, and institutional reform challenges. By bridging ancient thought with modern governance, this study provides a fresh perspective on how philosophical principles can inform effective policymaking and ethical statecraft. The research contributes to the growing discourse on applying classical wisdom to contemporary global challenges.
Source: Futurity Philosophy.
Author: Thoa Trinh Thi
Institution: University of Khanh Hoa
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4408201578