Popular TV Shows: Dexter in Focus - Bridge Between Confucianism and Legalism

Popular TV Show Character Dexter

When I heard about the Dexter show and the main character, I realized immediately that the Confucian traditions are applicable to the character.  In fact, Dexter follows the code from Xunzi’s (Xunzi was a student of Confucius's grandson) saying of “In the case of incorrigibly evil men, punish them without trying to reform them.” This is exactly how Dexter acts in his actions and how he justifies himself.  For Dexter, the justification he used is called the “The Code.” According to his code, he only kills victims that have killed someone without justifiable cause and will likely commit the crimes again. 

Better Leadership: Why Legalism Should Not be Applied in the Context of a College Fraternity

Legalism, “Fa Jia” or “school of law,” was the utilitarian political philosophy with Han Fei Zi as its major proponent.  The legalists argued that the best government is one based on authoritarian control, not ethical or moral persuasion.  They claimed that human nature was incurably selfish and that people normally do not know what to do.  Thus, the only way to preserve the social order (and society) was to impose strict discipline from above and enforce laws strictly.  For example, if your father or your husband disobeyed the government in a small infraction, such as lying, you were morally obligated to report him to the officials and let the officials punish him.