Examining Contending Views on Human Nature: Mancius vs. Xunzi

be innocent, but when bad decisions are made, the temptations will only get stronger and that is when the evil starts to appear more and more in our life’s.

Mencius and Hsun Tzu had different ideas about it. First of all, Mencius believed that human nature is good from the very beginning of their lives. But he also assumes that human nature is linked to other things like inherent qualities such as moral senses. (2016, 2A.6) For example, Mencius describes the sense of sympathy, sense of shame and sense of respect. (2016, 6A.6) According to Mencius these qualities are with us from the first day to our last day. He supports his idea of innate moral senses, with an example of that is a child falling into a well. He asserts that no one can turn their back on a situation like this. (2016, 2A.6) That example was his evidence to support the existence of moral senses. On the other hand, this wasn’t the case for Hsun Tzu he thought something else. Hsun Tzu assumes that human nature is evil and human nature is built upon benefits. (1963, 1) If people gain profit from that event they will be willing to do that because of their desires. Hsun Tzu asserts that this motivation explains human being’s evil behaviour. (1963, 1) In other words that it is a response to desire. Desire is still causing many problems in world. For example, people steal because of desire for money and people gossip because of their desire to see someone in a bad condition. People have desires and this is the source of the evil inside them. And for the last Hsun Tzu thought that nature is not something you can

Both St. Augustine’s Confessions and Confucius’s Analects are influential teachings that have a vast influence on people around the world in the ancient time and currently. Both doctrines discuss ethical values of society back during the time they were written and leads us to find some similarities between the two. There are substantial distinctions between Confucius and St. Augustine’s experiences and beliefs since they are living in different environments and time periods. Their insightful differences are the influences that contributed to mold the distinct philosophies and traditions between the West and the East today. I

Hsun Tzu's philosophy is built from the idea that human beings are by nature inherently evil, and the good they produce will only come through their conscious activity. Hsun Tzu believes that if man follows his nature and indulges in his natural desires, without transforming himself by conscious activity he is doomed to fall victim to his evil nature. "Any man who follows his nature will inevitably become involved in wrangling and strife, will violate the forms and rules of society, and will end as a criminal." Despite the pessimistic tone of Hsun Tzu's message he does propose conscious activity as a solution to man's evil. This paper will examine Hsun Tzu's perspective in light of both Mencius

Throughout history western and eastern philosophies have developed a vast segregation from one another. The geographical and cultural distance between eastern and western civilization determined massive differences between the two. On the other hand, the works of ancient Greek philosophers like Socrates, and some eastern philosophies like Taoism have many of the same or common ideas and concepts. Both eastern and western philosophies regardless of having similarities have distinctive differences when examining the view of the conception of the good. In this rgard, each philosophy is noticed to have beliefs that strive for followers to improve their lives and to be on a path of self-purification. This essay will primarily focus on

The debate of whether man is born entirely good or evil is a universal discussion that never seems to resolve. Even though a human is a complex individual who cannot be defined by a simple assessment, the people of today are convinced that there is a straightforward explanation as to why acts of wickedness exist. Some believe negative influences taint the naturally innocent heart of man, while others suppose evil men are born with an unavoidable capacity for darkness. This however, suggests that the wicked are created from birth without morals or the ability to be considered righteous. Despite the theories that exist, good and evil are not always separate. Man typically is neither solely good or bad, but a combination of the both. In the

Mencius addresses that men can become evil because of their actions. He uses the analogy of the forest. First it is beautiful but because of actions it can become barren. In other words, a man is born good and innocent. Still this man can do actions that lead to him becoming evil. This man still has the chance to go back to his good nature, but if he continues to be evil there is a point where he will be unable to turn back to his good ways. After a while of a person being evil people will stop believing that this person was ever good. Take Hitler for example, no one thinks of the innocent baby he was when he was born. Okay that is a pretty bad example but you get what I am saying, hopefully.

Some people argue that leaders are born. Others argue that leaders are made because of the environment. Each person believes leaders possess certain characteristics that make them "good" rulers. I believe leaders are made, they are taught what is wrong and right, and they are taught how to be a certain kind of leader in the context of their environment. I want to discuss what makes someone a "good" leader. Is a good leader efficient and adaptable or is a good leader born with predetermined qualities that dictate how they will rule over a kingdom or state? In Hsün Tzu 's "Man 's Nature Is Evil," Tzu discusses the idea of man being born evil but with the ability to consciously work towards goodness. "Good" is a goal men strive towards; man is inherently evil, leaders are born evil just like the rest of the population, just like the subjects they try to rule. Leaders have to strive towards goodness just like the rest of the common people. Or, is a good leader someone who is consciously striving towards goodness, someone who rejects vices and desires, someone who makes an effort towards being a good leader? Abu Nasr al-Farabi proclaims that there are twelve natural qualities a perfect ruler must be born with in "Perfect Associations and Perfect Rulers." Al-Farabi 's work contradicts Tzu 's teachings. Al-Farabi thinks that people are born where they will be the most useful in serving their purpose. He thinks rulers are born with perfect qualities and commoners are born in a

Mencius believed that human nature is good. Every person is born instilled with four main virtues; Righteousness, Ritual property, Wisdom and Benevolence. These virtues will only develop fully if it is nurtured and put to effect appropriately. He also claimed that those who are not virtuous have been “corrupted by the environment” . He believes that “Individual effort was needed to cultivate oneself, but one’s natural tendencies were good to begin with.” In this way, Mencius has integrated elements of Taoism into his theory. Basically, people are born well with good intentions, but they must work to maintain their good nature.

Every culture ever known has operated under a system of values. Many varied on exact principles, but most applied the idea of Natural Law. Or, as C.S. Lewis would refer to it in his Abolition of Man, the Tao. In this particular book Lewis discusses the implications that would follow could man overcome this basic value system that has been in place since the development of rational thought. However, paradoxical as his opinion may seem, he holds that to step beyond the Tao is to plunge into nothingness. Simply put, it is his claim that to destroy, or even fundamentally change, man’s basic value system is to destroy man himself.

Availability and understanding of available information by an individual was taken as a very important treasure. The issues that Confucius taught to be followed were not entirely scientific learning but rather the study of the consecrated contents and the tenets of good worth and propriety (Oliver, 1985). An additional element which he held high was the control of proper example. The heroes, heroines and great people that existed were greatly exemplified by Confucius. Confucius did this by persisting on the scrutiny of the conservative models. Many of his well recorded aphorisms are tributes of his considered men of high caliber. Confucius trained his supporters the significance of constantly welcoming the rectification of personal liabilities. To further assist in the creation of an upright moral fiber, he cherished a particular amount of strength of will. He acknowledged the threat, particularly in the youthful, of falling into unwanted behavior, so he persisted on eradicating the push for uncalled for reassurances (Ferguson, 1972).

We have covered the general accounts of human nature found in Confucianism and Taoism in light of the historical backdrop of the Period of Warring States. Use your responses to the following general questions below as an opportunity to refer either to the Smith text and accompanying assigned scriptures(s), Smith video(s) on China, Confucianism, and Taoism, or any additional material covered in class. Look ahead to the next question on the chun tzu in order to plan on avoiding repetition of answers verbatim within each essay if there are areas of potential overlap.

Rather, Mengzi regards men as born with a potential property, which could lead to good moral attributes like ren, yi, li, and zhi. On the contrary, Xunzi argues that men are born with an instinct called xing, which could result in immoral attributes like affection and desire . Nevertheless, the fact that men are born with a property leading to goodness does not contradict the fact that men are born with an instinct leading to badness.

b)Mencius believes that human nature is basically good. As the Niu mountain, human nature is constructive with the ability of self-development towards good. However, this “regenerative powers” has its limits. Human nature can be influenced by the environment and when the destructive and uncooperative affect have the upper hand, the result also like the Niu mountain, shows a picture of badness of “ugliness”.

Confucius and Aristotle are some of the greatest thinkers in the history of mankind. While Confucius was born in China and spearheaded a new way of perceiving morality, Aristotle was born in Macedon/Greece and also immersed his philosophical work to addressing moral thinking.Both philosophers have addressed similar subjects with major points of divergence and convergence. On virtue, these two authors have almost similar opinions. However, it is their points of convergence or agreement that have had a huge impact on the modern world’s thinking and understanding of virtue and moral behavior.