How do You Think a Confucian, a Daoist, and a Legalist would Evaluate Asoka as a Ruler - Essay Example

Asoka was inclined to fundamental values such as love, tolerance and was a devotee of nonviolence (Andrea and Overfield 143). Asoka was a peace-loving ruler who tried to instill a secular state ethic of non-violence. This clearly matches the arguments of the Confucius that claims that persons in a position of superiority were supposed to set an admirable example of moral behavior. This is what Asoka did (Andrea and Overfield 90). According to the Confucian doctrines, the politics are highly valued.

They believe that politics is closely related to eternal life. The doctrines back up social issues that are indispensable as far as the livelihood of people is concerned. Because of this, aspects such as domestic order, preserve tradition, constant standard of living for the taxpaying peasants are highly valued. The Confucian theory is anchored on the belief that a ruler who cannot exemplify moral behavior is bound to loss the Mandate of Heaven. The Confucian doctrines aim at nurturing values such as compassion, traditional rituals, allegiance, and respect for superiors (Andrea and Overfield 92).

The Confucius tends to value the family and community than the individual. This means that for one to be recognized by the Confucian, he or she must be able to assist the community. Egocentric is highly disregarded. From the religious perspective, Confucians worship the ancestors. They are still inclined to the traditional beliefs. Asoka argues that the relationship with the parents and living creatures should be firmly established. Ideally, the ruler should himself be such a model. For this, Asoka may be seen as an able ruler whose style of leadership style largely intertwines with the doctrine of Confucius (Andrea and Overfield 143).

Legalism is anchored on the fact that people, by nature are evil, selfish, and untrustworthy. This philosophy aims at addressing the features of the people. It has one limitation in that it does not address the meaning of life. According to the philosophy, law is the main tool through which people can be made to live in harmony. Because of this, the philosophy claims that the law code should be clearly availed to the public. Public must have access to the law code so that they can do according to the law.

Failure to do meet these conditions may tempt people to commit crimes. The philosophy believes that the law makes people equal before the stipulated law codes (Andrea and Overfield 96). Nevertheless, the law states that those who break the law should be punished. Therefore, it is necessary to appreciate the fact that the measures that were taken provided some assurance of predictability. Similarly, the ruler has no significant impact or influence on the rule of law as it is predominantly run by the state and not him.

Asoka became a successful ruler after a successful execution of military conquests. He waged war at Kalinga. This brings him out as a forceful ruler (Andrea and Overfield 143). A legalist would rate Asoka an inferior leader. Legalism stated that ruler should be in a position to employ some leadership tactics. This would ensure that he or she is under control of others. It also ensures that no one may claim the control over the state. They claim that this is possible because no one could possibly predict the motivations of the ruler like Asoka.

Consequently, it is even hard to understand the appropriate behavior for the successful execution and following of laws (Andrea and Over