Comparative Studies on the Tai Chen School and the Philosophy of Mencius and Xunzi
Date Issued
2011
Date
2011
Author(s)
Kuo, Pao-Wen
Abstract
This dissertation tries to resolve whether the thought of Tai Chen is closer to that of Mencius or Xunzi and the influence of relevant thoughts in mid-Qing Dynasty. With regarding to this, though scholars hold differents opinions, there is still a consensus: though Tai Chen, like Mencius, espouses the theory of Good Nature, he still has something in common with Xunzi. Therefore, key to this paradox lies in adequately judging the doctrine of good human nature as proposed by Tai Chen to be more like Mencius or Xunzi. In order to analyze Tai Chen’s thoughts, different viewpoints in Mencius’ and Xunzi’s philolophy related to Tai Chen are listed, such as their definitions of human nature, the way to achieve the good human nature, relationship between Rites and lust, relationship between heaven and human, the thought of the Sage and relationship between society and individual. We can find that Tai Chen advocates the doctrine of good human nature and emphasizes that the Rites is within human nature. However, he opposes abstinence of lust, analyzes human nature through the perspective of affection, lust and intelligence while stressing in particular the importance of intelligence. In addition, he is “againt returning to the origin” and “emphasizes development and accumulation.” Therefore, it is obvious that Tai Chen is in fact more similar to Xunzi. This dissertation further points out the reason why Tai Chen identifies with Mencius while opposes Xunzi is that he holds Mencius in great respect and opposes the Neo-Confucianism. But, with regard to the content of their thoughts, their essential concerns are the same, that is, they are both against returning to the beginning, the Principle and the original nature. This characteristic renders both of their thought structures forward-looking and progressing, instead of up-ward and introspective, differing greatly from Mencius’ thoughts. In fact, Tai Chen’s thoughts can be viewed as an “improved” or “revised” edition of Xunzi’s philosophy. In the last part, this dissertation also discusses the similarities between Xunzi and three scholars influenced by Tai Chen, including Chiao Hsun, Ruan Yuan and Ling Ting Kan. And we found that in terms of emphasis on the teaching and influence of the Sage and positive evaluation to Xunzi, they are even closer to Xunzi than Tai Chen is. As these four scholars play a leading role in the trend of thought of Xunzi’s philosophy in mid-Qing Dynasty, it also signifies the importance and influence of the thought of Tai Chen.
Subjects
Tai Chen
Mencius
Xunzi
Chiao Hsun
Ruan Yuan
Ling Ting Kan
Type
thesis
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