“风起于青蘋之末”——孟子性善论探析

作为《孟子》一书的灵魂,性善论的影响至深至远。孟子的人性论建立在人的主体精神日益自觉、人们对人性的探讨日渐深入的基础之上,是对孔子的人性观念的发展。孟子认为,人的善性是一种先天的资质与倾向,通过心的感受与省思得以培养,通过本性来完成天的意志。性善论虽未能有效地行诸当世,却深刻地影响了后世政治,并为社会锻造出一个士人阶层,最终沉淀于儒家的基本品格之中。性善论还是士人阶层乌托邦精神的根底所在,作为士人价值观的核心,乌托邦精神体现为“道”对“势”的制衡,并在个体人格领域以审美自由的方式获得彰显。

It is a Straw in the Wind: The Exploration of Mencius' Doctrine of Good Human Nature

As the soul of Mencius, doctrine of good human nature had a profound effect. Mencius based his theory of human nature on facts that human＇s subjective spirit was becoming more and more conscious and the exploration of humanity was becoming more and more thorough. In addition, Mencius＇ humanity concept was the development of Confucius＇ interrelated theory. In Mencius＇ opinion, natural goodness was an innate ap- titude or tendency, which was cultured by heart＇s feel and reflection. Accordingly, people accomplished the heaven＇s will by inherent quality. Although doctrine of good human nature wasn＇t carried out effectively in those days, it had a significant impact on politics in later ages, shaped the scholar-officials class in society, and at last was retained as the basic character and morals of Confucian. Doctrine of good human nature was exactly the foundation of the scholar-officials class＇s Utopian spirit. As the essence of the scholar-officials class＇s values, the Utopian spirit of good human nature worked as restriction of ＂value standards＂ to ＂political power＂, and displayed itself as aesthetic freedom in the kingdom of individual personality.