荀子與四種人性論觀點

Abstract

孟子的門徒公都子陳列出以下四種盛行的人性觀點：(1)告子認為人性「無善無不善」；(2)或說人性「可以為善，可以為不善」；(3)或說「有性善，有性不善」；(4)孟子的「性善」觀點。本文藉由清楚區分這四種觀點以及分析荀子整體立場，來論證荀子所主張或發展的乃是第二種觀點。

Mencius`s disciple Gonduzi lists four prevalent views on xing or the nature of humans: (1) Gaozi`s view that it is neither good nor not-good, (2) the view that it has the capacity to become good or bad, (3) the view that some one good, and some not, and (4) Mencius`s view that it is good. By clearly distinguishing the four views and by giving an analytical account of Xunzi`s whole position, this paper argues that Xunzi holds or develops the second view.