Confucianism: Perspectives on Human Nature and Morality

Confucius

Chinese philosopher (c. 551-479 BC) known for ethics.

Mencius

Philosopher asserting human nature is inherently good.

The Mencius

Text possibly authored by Mencius or his students.

Human Nature

Concept debated; Mencius claims it's good, Xunzi claims bad.

Four Sprouts of Goodness

Compassion, shame, defense, right/wrong evolve with nurture.

Li (禮)

Rituals that nurture moral behavior and social roles.

Xunzi

Philosopher (c. 310-after 238 BC) claiming human nature is bad.

Artificiality (wei 偽)

Morality derived from customs created by sage-kings.

Moral Quality

Achieved through etiquette, rituals, and customs.

Gaozi

Philosopher claiming human nature has no inherent tendencies.

Compassion

Inherent feeling that can lead to benevolence.

Benevolence (ren 仁)

Developed from compassion through proper nurturing.

Righteousness (yi 義)

Evolved from shame with proper moral training.

Behavioral Propriety (li 禮)

Defense mechanism that guides moral actions.

Wisdom (zhi 智)

Developed from understanding right and wrong.

Political Advisor

Role Mencius and Confucius struggled to fulfill.

Ruler's Virtue

Mencius argues rulers must model virtue for people.

Education Importance

Mencius emphasizes education for societal well-being.

Taxation Critique

Xunzi criticizes rulers for overtaxing common people.

Social Order

Xunzi advocates for proper ranking in society.

Self-Cultivation

Process of developing morality through rituals and customs.

Ritual's Role

Mencius sees ritual as guidance; Xunzi as shaping.

Han Dynasty Influence

Xunzi's ideas significantly impacted Han governance.

Confucian Classics

Mencius became part of Four Books in Song dynasty.

Checks and Balances

Chang Hao links democracy's checks to human nature views.

Neglect of Human Nature

Modern philosophers overlook darker aspects due to Mencius.