荀子〈性惡篇〉探析

The Analysis of Hsun-tzu's Thinking at the Study of "Bad Essence"

黃秀仍(Hsiu-Jeng Huang) ； 羅娓淑(Wei-Shu Lo)

《遠東通識學報》 4卷2期 (2010/07) Pp. 11-22

https://doi.org/10.6795/JFEUGE.201007.0011

摘要

先秦諸子對於「人性」的善惡有諸多看法，形成不同的理論。其中最具代表性的是孟子「性善」論、告子的「人性無分善與不善」，及荀子的「性惡」論，此三者代表中心點及善惡兩個極端之立場。告子的「性」是中性的，無關善與不善，孟子與荀子所論理的人性，恰巧一善一惡，字裡行間似乎形成對比，其實未必對立。本文主要對荀子的「性惡」理論加以探究，透過對《荀子•性惡篇》的內容解析，說明荀子所言之「性」爲何？與孟子所言之「性」有何差異？荀子主張「性惡」，那麼，「善、惡」標準爲何？並敘述荀子如何將「性惡」透過「僞」使之善，及「化性起僞」在教育上的意義和價值。

關鍵字

荀子 ； 性惡 ； 教育 ； 孟子

並列摘要

The philosophers in the ancient Qi had controversial views on human natures. Famous theories like Mencius's ”good essence”, Gaozi's ”null essence”, and Hsun-tzu's ”bad essence” were the most representative. Gaozi's view was neutral, while Mencius' and Hsun-tzu' views seemed to be contrast, but they were not contrary, in fact.This study tries to elaborate on the theory advocated by Hsun-tzu. Via the analysis of bad essence, the author explained the meanings of human nature, and Hsun-tzu's criteria of judging good or bad human natures. The author also stated the way Hsun-tzu educated people to turn the bad essence into good behaviors. The significance and the values of good behavior acquisition are highlighted in this study.

並列關鍵字

Hsun-tzu ； Mencius ； Gaozi ； Bad essence ； Eduction