Title

Did Han Fei’s Plan Fail?: Han Fei’s Theory of Machinery, Power, and Technique

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Pages

453-485

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Language

Chinese

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Abstract

Han Fei 韓非 (c. 281 B.C.-233 B.C.) developed a mode of thinking that treated governing the people as being similar to manipulating objects. The key significance of this mode of thinking lies in the fact that it represents the first time a Chinese intellectual theorized about the idea of “total control,” which has been an aspiration of many rulers throughout history. Han Fei aimed to establish an automated social machine that was operated by people in authority; in the words of François Jullien, he sought to fix the momentum of change, allowing the ruler to consolidate his position through the techniques of governance.

Many scholars have pointed out that Han’s theory is harsh and lacks benevolence, and that it contains irreconcilable internal conflicts. But can we thus declare Han Fei’s plan a failure? This article argues that a distinction should be made between the “theory of Han Fei” and the “plan of Han Fei.” While his theory is indeed imperfect, one cannot directly infer from past history the inevitable failure of his plan. From a contemporary perspective, any ambitious ruler could attempt to modify, compensate for, or adjust this governing mechanism. This article explains the potential implications of Han Fei’s plan, which can be understood as an aspiration to strengthen political authority.