荀子 수양론의 經世的 측면 연구

Abstract

This paper inquires Xunzi’s the theory of xinxing(心性) from the perspective of managing the society. Xunzi argues that xing(性) be naturally bone, so he rejects the proposition that moral be originally nested in xing(性). Instead, he proposes that tian(天) and man do their own duties and argue that human certainly overcome tian[人定昇天] and human can control tian and use tian[制天用天], whereas the former implies that fate can be overcome by man’s efforts and furthermore man can control tian(天), and the latter does tian(天) give birth to things and saints complete man morally. That is, saints complete man by establishing courtesy’s and justice’s dao(道) and this man in turn controls and makes a good use of 천. Based on his perspectives on tian(天) and human relation, by a natural xing(性), Xunzi’s wickedness is merely ear’s and eye’s desire but bad nor no-good. Xunzi points out one of the reasons that man’s live is superior to animal’s is because he belongs to a community. Since man is unable to competent with everything, he needs to cooperate with others within the community. This in fact leads that xing can turn into virtue by doing something[化性起僞], suppressing desires and proceeding duties. Xunzi addresses the importance of neisheng(內聖) in order for the community to coexist and be harmonized and argues that who reaches neisheng(內聖) by behaviour becomes waiwang(外王) and then establishes courtesy(禮) and rules, which manifests the society’s behavioral norms and helps the community realize social order. Thus, Xunzi’s perspective of managing the society puts emphasis on not only man’s moral achievement but also governing by manmade courtesy and rules.