This article analyses Han Fei’s “suspect the neighbour” fable. Identical sound advice can trigger suspicion, depending on the speaker’s positional‑relational standing, not argument merit. It stresses structural awareness before offering critical counsel.
This article unpacks Han Feizi’s Legalist principles of “shu”, “examine reality against its name” and cross-checking. It advocates verifying claims via real world conduct rather than mere words for everyday personal and professional interactions.
This article interprets Han‑Feizi’s “xún míng zé shí” (name‑reality checking) via the spear and shield fable. It applies this Legalist accountability principle to everyday scenarios and serves to judge whether a person deceives you.
This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 48.5 stresses rulers’ secrecy and thoroughness. It contrasts subordinate‑ruler information‑processing modes, advocates mutual‑responsibility surveillance systems, and highlights combining repute with real reward‑punishment power to expose treachery.
This Later Mohist chapter develops utilitarian “weighing” ethics and formal logic. It defines righteousness as benefit, expounds universal love, distinguishes intent from outcome, and analyzes names, categories, and valid argument rules.
Chapter 42: Canons and Explanations (I) On Causality and Cognition “Gu” (Cause/Condition) is divided into Minor Cause and Major Cause. A Minor Cause is that which, if present, does not necessarily produce the effect, but if absent, the effect is impossible. It is like a part of a whole, or a point on a…