Why there's no singular term:
* Historical Context: Legalism as a philosophy originated in ancient China, and its writings are deeply intertwined with specific historical periods and rulers.
* Varied Focus: Legalist texts cover a broad range of topics, from law and governance to military strategy and social order.
* Evolution of Ideas: Legalist ideas evolved over time, with different thinkers contributing to the development of the philosophy.
Potential Names:
* "Legalist Texts" or "Legalist Writings": These are straightforward and widely used.
* "The School of Law" or "The School of Statecraft": These names reflect the philosophical underpinnings of Legalism.
* "Han Feizi" or "Shang Yang" (and other key figures): You could refer to specific legalist thinkers and their works.
* "The Art of War" (Sun Tzu): While not strictly a legalist text, this famous work is often associated with Legalist thought due to its focus on strategy and order.
* "The Book of Lord Shang" (Shang Yang): A specific work that is a foundational text of Legalism.
Best Option:
The best name depends on the context and the specific legalist writings you are referring to. If you want to be specific about the period or thinker, mentioning those directly would be the most accurate. For a general reference, "Legalist Texts" or "Legalist Writings" are good choices.
Important Note: Legalism is a complex and nuanced philosophy with a long history. It's best to be aware of the diverse and sometimes contradictory views within the tradition.