荀子與四種人性論觀點

Xunzi and the Four Views on Human Nature

孟子的門徒公都子陳列出以下四種盛行的人性觀點：(1)告子認為人性「無善無不善」；(2)或說人性「可以為善，可以為不善」；(3)或說「有性善，有性不善」；(4)孟子的「性善」觀點。本文藉由清楚區分這四種觀點以及分析荀子整體立場，來論證荀子所主張或發展的乃是第二種觀點。

Mencius's disciple Gonduzi lists four prevalent views on xing or the nature of humans: (1) Gaozi's view that it is neither good nor not-good, (2) the view that it has the capacity to become good or bad, (3) the view that some one good, and some not, and (4) Mencius's view that it is good. By clearly distinguishing the four views and by giving an analytical account of Xunzi's whole position, this paper argues that Xunzi holds or develops the second view.