Which of these phrases best summarizes Legalism?
To determine which of these phrases best summarizes Legalism, let's first understand what Legalism is. Legalism is a political philosophy that emerged in ancient China during the Warring States period. It promotes strict adherence to laws and regulations as the foundation of good governance. Legalism emphasizes the use of punishment and rewards to maintain order and control in society.
Now, let's evaluate the given phrases:
1. "Striving for absolute obedience to laws and regulations": This phrase accurately captures the essence of Legalism, as it emphasizes the importance of individuals adhering strictly to established laws and regulations.
2. "Promoting a government based on benevolence and virtue": This phrase does not align with Legalism. While Legalism focuses on effective governance, it does not emphasize benevolence or virtue as the primary guiding principles.
3. "Emphasizing individual freedom and autonomy": This phrase is not representative of Legalism. Legalism places significant importance on a centralized authority and strict adherence to laws rather than individual freedom or autonomy.
Based on the analysis, it can be concluded that the phrase "Striving for absolute obedience to laws and regulations" best summarizes Legalism.