Han Feizi

Philosopher

(280 BCE – 233 BCE) · East Asia

Chinese political philosopher of the third century BCE who synthesized earlier Legalist ideas into a systematic theory of governance based on law, political technique, and authority rather than moral virtue. His text, the Han Feizi, was highly influential in the unification of China under the Qin dynasty. He died in prison after being outmaneuvered by a rival at the Qin court.