Abstract
This article focuses on the meaning of freedom in the Hanfeizi. In the Hanfeizi’s political philosophy, freedom is not absolute but relative: individual freedom cannot be defined solely but defined by a person’s position relative to others. The king’s freedom is oppositely related the vassals’. The vassals are the major threat to the king’s freedom. They interfere the king's freedom as the king. They try to exercise power directly over the people. Their freedom is derived from the king’s inability to monopolize power. If the king monopolizes power, they will become simply the puppets of the king and have no freedom, which is the ideal condition in the Hanfeizi. Even under this ideal condition, the king cannot exercise his power as he pleases. He should obey law. Although the king is in the position to use law, he should not abuse law at his will. Finally, the people are in the position to decide which order they follow between the king and the vassals. The people's freedom is freedom of choice. However, their freedom of choice relies on human instinct to pursue happiness and avoid pain.
| Translated title of the contribution | Rethinking Freedom in Hanfeizi |
|---|---|
| Original language | Korean |
| Pages (from-to) | 385-414 |
| Number of pages | 30 |
| Journal | 인문연구 |
| Issue number | 72 |
| State | Published - Dec 2014 |