In the Pre-Qin period, the theory of human nature was a key subject addressed by Chinese philosophers, including Xunzi. Xunzi’s theory of human nature showed clear differences from the views held by Mengzi. Xunzi believed that human nature is evil, ...
In the Pre-Qin period, the theory of human nature was a key subject addressed by Chinese philosophers, including Xunzi. Xunzi’s theory of human nature showed clear differences from the views held by Mengzi. Xunzi believed that human nature is evil, and draining good from human nature by accepting human instinct and correct standards. The essay will discuss Xunzi’s theory of xingelun in greater detail, analyzing it in four crucial dimensions, and will also place his views within the larger context of other Pre-Qin Chinese theories of human nature.