Abstract

Based on "The Analects" and the theory of human nature-related material, whether directly addressed, implied, cited as a precondition or as a corollary, are careful reflection of, in order to outline a clear prospect of a solution. Start with "empirical observation", see the assessment of Confucius analysis of objective facts, and to "three years of mourning" for the opportunity to understand; then on the "theory construction", indicating the goodness of human nature and stubborn sense. Basic point is: one person from "the I, heart, blood gas" component. Second, human nature means this to me, this I that is the power of good deeds, and it was obvious implementation is in constant demand. Third, the good deeds of the good is the "realization of the appropriate relationship between people" and therefore can not leave, "two of benevolence" of the Niji. Four, but the person within the meaning of the word benevolence "nature, Road, as"; of the good deeds, said the right thing, as perfection. I have this three runs through this together, in addition to the performance of horizontal side of the human care, but also shows the relationship between the vertical side of Heaven, which constitutes the picture of Confucius' theory of human nature. The topic of human nature in Confucianism is notoriously controversial. One way to clarify this issue is to return to Confucius. Basing on relevant materials of the Analects, this essay first deals with empirical observations of Confucius and takes "the three-year mourning period" conversation as the key to the formulation of a new interpretation of human nature in Confucius thought; then, it goes on to articulate a theory which regards human nature as tending towards goodness and the correct way of human being as choosing what is good and holding it fast. The basic points of view may be summed up as follows: human being is composed of original ego, heart-mind, and physical body; human nature consists in original ego which is a dynamism tending towards goodness; goodness denotes the realization of proper relationships between humans and is thus connected with the term "jen"; "jen" means a threefold manifestation of human being, that is, the human natrue which is tending towards goodness, the human way which is to choose goodness and hold it fast, and the human perfection which culminates in the supreme goodness. The horizontal dimension of human nature can be fully affirmed in the present essay while its vertical dimension leaves open and this requires another discussion