ABSTRACT
The new political philosophy, needed for the new bureaucratic state, emerged from a contention of competing schools of thought that vied with each other for acceptance at the courts. The rationalism and moral absolutism of the Confucian school found its counterpart in a penchant toward mysticism and intuition, revealed in the writings of what has become known as the Taoist school of philosophy. The Mohist school became the main rival of the Confucianists and the main target of attack by Mencius; the school taught an outspoken utilitarianism. Far more important in the process of unification and in its contribution to the institutions of the emerging Chinese imperial system was the school known as the Legalists. All human effort should be concentrated on providing the material needs of human life, food, clothing, and shelter; and all other human interests, including the rituals of formal etiquette and the arts were extravagant and should be abolished.
