Confucian Culture's Humanistic Perspective

Author: Wang Jie
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-10-01
Features: The philosophy of human nature is the core value of Confucian thought. This book sets the stage for the early stage of the development of human nature philosophy from the Shang-Zhou to the Spring and Autumn Periods, with a focus on exploring the characteristics of human nature philosophy in Confucian, Mencian, Xunzian, and Yixue thought. Confucius's view of human nature—his "benevolence" (ren) and "ritual propriety" (li) thought—develops along two philosophical paths. Mencius, based on the goodness of human nature, further developed Confucius's "benevolence" thought, forming the "Inner Sage School." Xunzi, grounded in the evil of human nature, inherited Confucius's "ritual propriety" doctrine, forming the "Outer King School." The "Inner Sage School" constitutes the fundamental characteristics of Confucian culture. The "Great Learning," "Doctrine of the Mean," and "Commentary on the Changes" attempt to seek the metaphysical foundation of Confucian human nature philosophy, construct its philosophy of heaven and earth, and complete the logical process of the evolution of early Confucian human nature thought. It is very worth reading.