Han Fei on the Abdication of the Throne: Sources and Synthesis
Author: Kang Chan
Abstract / Chinese PDF Download
I employ Han Fei as a key to map out various ideas about the abdication of the throne during the Warring States period. Along the way, I identify the ideas that Han Fei transmits, accepts, concurs, and refutes during his extensive discussions on this topic.
While he dismisses the abdication of the throne as the wrong way and approves of hereditary succession, his approval of the latter is based on an assessment of its pros and cons. I therefore offer modifications to the principles of hereditary succession and appointing a Legalist official as heir as two proposals that better meet the ideals of Han Fei.
Keywords：Abdication of the Throne、Han Fei、Hereditary Rule、Yao and Shun