What ideas did legalists have about the social order?

Legalists believed that a strong, centralized authority and strict laws were essential for maintaining social order and discipline. They argued that human nature is inherently selfish and that people would only act in accordance with the law out of fear of punishment. Legalists emphasized the importance of a rigid hierarchy, where obedience to the state and its laws was paramount. This philosophy sought to create a stable society through control and regulation rather than moral or ethical considerations.