PAPER for Confucianism Reading and Han Fei- Tzu Reading

In history class last week, we came in having read a reading about Confucius and Han Fei- Tzu. These reading were basically the views these two regarding government and how to be the best governor. They both had very different views, Confucius with more of a "for the people" type of government and Han Fei- Tzu with more of a "government for the government" type. Using a method that we learned in class called "Paper" we analyzed these primary sources with partners, mine being Ariel.

PAPER for Confucius Reading:


Purpose: The purpose is to explain how to govern in a way that is best for the people that will, in turn be best for the entire government. It also explains what a "good government" is.


Argument: Confucius is arguing that people should be able to have faith in their ruler and the ruler should be reasonable. This basically means that if the people are left to make their own decisions without restrictions, they will do the right thing because they won't need to rebel.

Presuppositions: Confucius is in the position of a teacher because he is pretty much telling people how to be a good governor. And also he knows that people reading and following his teachings believe him and what he says.

Epistemology: This document is probably somewhat true. Although, since it was a long time ago when these ideas developed and where taught, things could have changed. And also this is not a concrete document we have to rely on it being true.

Relate: This relates to Han Fei- Tzu's document about government because they both talk about government and ways to be a good governor.

PAPER for Han Fei- Tzu Reading:


Purpose: Han Fei- Tzu's purpose in this document is to tell people about his ideas about legalism and to deny Confucianism. Also, like Confucius, to teach people about his views on government.

Argument: His argument is saying that a good government should have full control of their people. This is an example of a "government for the government" not a "government for the people". Also, Han Fei-Tzu's version of a good government calls Confucianism naive.

Presuppositions: Han Fei-Tzu is in the upper-class ruling section and Confucius denies all that he believes, so people are starting to follow Confucius and that worries Han Fei-Tzu.

Epistemology: The ideas of Han Fei-Tzu are probably to the views of legalists in that era.

Relate: This relates to Pericles because the Athenian government was based a lot on fairness and equality but then cared more about making decisions in a way that was most efficient, not necessarily taking time to make the best decision for the people.