On Comparison Of Human Nature Thought Between Mencius And Xunzi

Human Nature is one of the core issues of Chinese philosophy. As early asin the Yizhoushu has been the source of the theory of Human Nature. ButConfucius is the first one who think what is the Human Nature clearly,according to The Analects: By nature, men are nearly alike; by practice, theyget to be wide apart. He opens the debate of the Human Nature. Mencius’sand Xunzi’s theory of Human Nature are opponent, although they are subjectto the influence of Confucius. This article is divided into three parts.Part One: Introducing the theory of Human Nature of Mencius and Xunzi.First, this article is divided into two parts to discuss the theory of HumanNature of Mencius. First one is the basic principles of Human Nature ofMencius. They are the principle of whole and the principle of difference. Peopleis the unified existence of nature and fate. Second one is what is the HumanNature in real society. It is Goodness of Human NatureSecond, discussing Wickedness of Human Nature of Xunzi. Xunziadvocate the human nature is evil, morality arises from educating. If we followhuman nature, it would adverse consequences. Xunzi establishes hisWickedness of Human Nature through criticizing Mencius’s theory of HumanNature.Part Two: the reason why the theory of Human Nature of Mencius andXunzi is such different.First, discussing why Confucianism is divided into eight. Mencius and Xunziinherit a different way of thinking. Mencius focused on the inheritance ofConfucius’s Moral principles. He pay more attention to the study of the "Tao",and he demonstrates his theory of Human Nature according to “Tao”. Xunzifocused on the inheritance of Confucius’s Nature principles. He pay moreattention to is the study of the social ceremonies, and he demonstrates histheory of Human Nature according to it.Second, Mencius and Xunzi have different Philosophical positions.Mencius hold the Existential philosophical position. Xunzi is a empiricist.Part three: Humanity training about Mencius and Xunzi.In a word, Mencius pays more attention to mind training. Xunzi pay more attention to cultivatepeople’s moral character. They both extended their mind to the society.