Question

which of these taught that only through strict laws and punishment could order be achieved?

confucianism
legalism
buddhism
daoism

Explanation:

Identify core philosophy

The question asks which school of thought taught that social order could only be achieved through strict laws and harsh punishments.

Evaluate the options

• Confucianism emphasizes moral virtue, filial piety, and ritual propriety to maintain social harmony.
• Legalism is a classical Chinese philosophy that emphasizes the need for rigorous, clear laws and harsh punishments to control human behavior and maintain state order.
• Buddhism is a spiritual path focused on personal liberation, mindfulness, and ending suffering.
• Daoism advocates for living in harmony with the natural flow of the universe (wu-wei) and minimizing government interference.

Select the correct match

Legalism directly matches the description of using strict laws and punishments to achieve order.

Answer:

• (A) Confucianism
• (B) Legalism (Correct answer)
• (C) Buddhism
• (D) Daoism