Contents
Han Fei
The ancient Chinese thinker whose writings set out a hard-edged theory of law, authority and political control.
Han Feizi · The Two Handles
- Born
- Unknown
- Birthplace
- China
- Died
- 233 BCE
More people
Han Fei
Han Fei is associated with the Legalist tradition of the Warring States period. The Han Feizi brings together arguments about institutions, incentives and the dangers facing rulers; its authorship is not entirely settled.
Early life
Royal background
Traditionally described as a member of the ruling family of Han.
Education
Sima Qian’s later account places him among Xunzi’s students.
Career
- 3rd century BCE
Political writing
Developed arguments against relying on a ruler’s personal virtue.
- Late Warring States
Advice to Han
Traditional accounts describe unsuccessful attempts to influence his state’s rulers.
- 233 BCE
Mission to Qin
Died in Qin after being imprisoned, according to the historical tradition.
Ideas & writings
Han Feizi
A collected text traditionally associated with him.
The Two Handles
Explores reward and punishment as instruments of rule.
The Difficulties of Persuasion
Examines the risks of advising a powerful ruler.
Beyond work
Historical uncertainty
Accounts of his life were written after his death and differ in important details.
Later influence
His arguments remained influential despite official criticism of Legalism.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy — ideas and context ↗Photo: Sabinowitz. CC BY-SA 4.0 · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
