The Study Of Confucianism's Trustworthiness Before Qin Dynasty

Many thinkers paid attention to the thought of trustworthiness at all times .Compared with the others, Confucianism's trustworthiness is more complete and systemic. As early as the time before Qin Dynasty, it was already very abundant. Therefore it is necessary to study the Confucianism's trustworthiness before Qin Dynasty, trace back to its origin, explain its content and research into the practice in the Spring and Autumn Period. Especially to analyze the trustworthiness of Confucius, Mencius and Xunzi,the three mainly representative thinkers of the Confucianism.In order to analyze the question and get a comprehensive conclusion, I will make the best use of the relevant research of Confucius, Mencius and Xunzi, the other ancient documents and absorb those related research result about philosophy history, ethics history and Confucianism history.Chapter 1 discuss the origin of trustworthiness. It divides into three segments. The first segment discuss the original meaning of honesty; the second discuss the original meaning of faith; the third discuss the original expression of trustworthiness. Trustworthiness was considered as a kind of good moral quality in the Yao and Shun Period.Chapter 2 analyzes the trustworthiness of Confucius, Mencius and Xunzi. It divides into three segments. The first segment analyzes the content of Confucius' trustworthiness and how it came into being, the relation between trustworthiness and benevolent rule. The second segment analyzes the further development of Mencius' trustworthiness, the relation between trustworthiness and policy of benevolent. The third segment analyzes the deepening of Xunzi' s trustworthiness, the relation between trustworthiness and loyalty. The thought of trustworthiness experienced the process of development, evolvement, systematism and turning deeply by the exposition of Confucius, Mencius and Xunzi. It made its social effect gradually deep and concrete in various ways such as person' s behavior, dealing with affairs, managing a nation and so on.Chapter 3 discuss the appraisal and practice of trustworthiness In the Spring and Autumn Period depend on ZuoZhuan and GuoYu. Trustworthiness was regarded as a kind of virtue and a tool to govern the country In the Spring and Autumn Period. It could stabilize the social relation and bring positive influence in the social activities.