孟子人․物性論一考

Abstract

This study is largely intended to address three questions. First, the study tried to answer the question, ‘Do the Mencius’ views on the nature of all things human and non-human side with 人物同(“Men and all things non-human are of the same nature”) or 人物異(“Men and all things non-human are not of the same nature”)? Second, the study tried to answer the question, ‘What relationship does 性善說(the theory of innate goodness of human nature) have with 人物性論(Mencius’ views on the nature of all things human and non-human)?’ Third, the study tried to look into Mencius’ intention concerning 性善說. The results obtained from this study are as follows : 1. Do the Mencius’ views on the nature of all things human and non-human side with 人物同(‘Men and all things non-human are of the same nature’) or 人物異(‘Men and all things non-human are not of the same nature’)? This study confirmed that Mencius’ views side with 人物異 on this issue. In other words, human nature and nature of things non-human are not the same. To be more specific, natures of dog, cow and man are all different(犬性≠牛性≠人性). 2. What is the relationship between 性善說 and 人物性論 in Mencius’ views? For Mencius, the theory on innate goodness of human nature is about 人性 (human nature). Therefore, not all 萬物之性(Nature of all things human and non-human) can be called good. 人性(Human nature) can be called good, but 物性(Nature of things non-human) cannot be called good right away. 3. What is the intention of 性善說(the theory on innate goodness of human nature) in Mencius' teachings? The intention and meaning of the theory are so abundant that it is impossible to describe them all in this small paper. Just to put the main theme of 人․物性 論(Nature of human and all things non-human), it is to provide an easy to understand theory on the problems of 聖凡(saintly people and ordinary people) within humankind, and to justify 親親 (being close to parents and kinsfolk). 仁民(love of all men) in the ethical relationship between 人物(human and things non-human) and 愛物(moderation in use of things).