‘言外之意’의 관점에서 해석한 맹자와 순자의 ‘欲’개념

Abstract

In the world of traditional Chinese philosophy, Meng-zi and Xun-zi have long been considered polar opposites. However, contemporary Chinese scholars have begun to question this dichotomy, urging a more nuanced and comparative approach. As Ludebin contends, the meaning of a word is not fixed and can vary depending on its usage and context, allowing it to refer to slightly different realities. The term "xing" (性) serves as a prime example, as both Meng-zi and Xun-zi employ it to refer to human nature and morality, but each infuses it with their own unique connotations and shades of meaning. This article explores the concept of "desire" (欲) in the works of Meng-zi and Xun-zi, using the insights of scholars like Ludebin (路德斌) and Shenshunfu (沈順福). Shenshunfu's terms "expressed" (題中之義) and "unexpressed" (言外之意) help us understand desire. Even though Meng-zi and Xun-zi did not directly discuss desire, we can uncover their implicit meanings by analyzing both the explicit statements and underlying assumptions in their work. Recent scholarship has called into question the traditional notion that desires must be suppressed in order to cultivate a virtuous heart. Rather, there is growing recognition that desires can be a force for good, motivating individuals to pursue noble goals and engage in positive behaviors. While Meng-zi and Xun-zi both acknowledged the negative aspects of desires and the need to eliminate them in certain contexts, they also recognized that desires could be a positive force in other circumstances. By exploring the complexities and nuances of the concept of desire in Meng-zi and Xun-zi's philosophy, this article illuminates the dynamic and evolving nature of this fundamental concept in Chinese thought. It also sheds light on the broader theme of character development and moral education in traditional Chinese society, demonstrating how the cultivation of discretion and the harnessing of positive desires can contribute to the growth of moral character.