Question

on which principle was the chinese philosophy of legalism based?
rulers derive their power from the people.
divine laws can be observed in the natural world.
people need rules to force them to behave morally.
authority can be used compassionately in society.

Explanation:

Legalism emphasized strict laws and punishments to control people's behavior. It believed that people, by nature, were inclined to do wrong and needed rules (laws) to force them to act in a way that was beneficial for the state (which can be seen as a form of'moral' behavior in the context of maintaining social order as defined by the state).

• Option A is more in line with democratic or some forms of social - contract theories, not Legalism.
• Option B is related to natural law theories that might be found in some religious or philosophical traditions that see a connection between divine and natural laws, not Legalism.
• Option D is contrary to Legalism's often harsh and uncompassionate approach to authority.

Answer:

C. People need rules to force them to behave morally.