Essay on "Mencius' View That Human Nature Is Good"
Essay 3 pages (1049 words) Sources: 0
[EXCERPT] . . . .
Mencius' view that Human Nature is Good with Hsun Tzu's theory that "Human Nature is Bad?At first view, Mencius' theory that humans are intrinsically good and Hsun Tzu's theory that 'human nature is bad' seem irrevocably opposed one to the other. However, investigation of each shows them to share commonalties.
Mencius' perspective on the goodness of human nature comes with a proviso. Whilst he does believe that humans are innately good and like a plant possesses the innate potential to grow in a certain direction towards that goodness whilst also containing within its qualities the emotional resources to grip onto that ideal, he believes that environment and sensual propensities can corrupt that goodness (Lau, 1970).
Man has four Beginnings, (ren (humanness), li (observance of rites), and yi (propriety) and, zhi (wisdom) (Lau, 1970)) and he has these four Beginnings just as he has limbs. The right education in a positive environment will foster these limbs, the wrong will destruct them. In other words, these four predispositions or ethical attributes, ren, yi, li, and zhi have to be cultivated. They are simply 'sprouts' and can easily be damaged or they can grow to flourishing plants. It is in this way that Mencius probably placed zhi, heart / mind as the counterpoint (Shun, 1997). Zhi' requires the ability to follow affect or cognition according to one's best discretion, to balance the two, and to achieve a rational equilibrium in assessing situations and formulating decisions.
It is the senses, maintained Mencius that cause the 'plant' i.e. man's innate positive faculties to wilt, and here Mencius provides the example of King X
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Mencius also believes that man can be deluded by erroneous ethical doctrines such as the teachings of Hsun Tzu and of the Yangists (Shun, 1997) who advocated pandering to one's nature (to the natural laws), to one's natural inclinations in a way that is similar to hedonism.
Hsun Tzu is similar to Mencius in some ways. The differences originate from the polar manner in which each interprets Confucius' definition of tian -- Heaven. Whilst tian was first regarded in a neutral way as simply determining the predestination of man, the miseries and anarchy of the middle Zhou period caused individuals of that period to perceive tian and associated Ming with a jaundiced perspective. Tian wasn't… READ MORE
Quoted Instructions for "Mencius' View That Human Nature Is Good" Assignment:
Topic #2
Of the theories that we have discussed (Confucius, Mencius, Hsun Tzu, Yangism, Moism, Taoism, Legalism), which one seems most plausible as a moral theory?
Topic # 3
Is there any way to reconcile Mencius***** view that *****˜Human Nature is Good***** with Hsun Tzu*****s theory that *****˜Human Nature is Bad*****?
Either one will be fine. Just choose ONE of them.
requirements from professor
If you do use the internet or any other source, you must properly cite any such material. A failure to do so will constitute plagiarism and will result in a failing grade for the course.
How to Reference "Mencius' View That Human Nature Is Good" Essay in a Bibliography
“Mencius' View That Human Nature Is Good.” A1-TermPaper.com, 2010, https://www.a1-termpaper.com/topics/essay/mencius-view-human-nature/269040. Accessed 5 Oct 2024.
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