Shang Yang and Skirmishes: Warfare and Philosophy in Warring States China

Abstract

Ancient history is often complex. The 21st century is so far removed from the epoch that not only is understanding the sources a problem, but so is the quantity and quality of the sources themselves. However, what we have along with the archaeology is enough to determine at least some historicity of the epoch. Other questions are raised, however, when one starts to examine ancient history. For instance, what caused the philosophical upheaval during the political and social upheaval called the Warring States period in China? During this period in ancient China, when the states were in a struggle to determine which would come out on top, Chinese philosophy experienced a sudden boom. This link between warfare and philosophy in Warring States China was politics