A reasoning of Xunzi’s (荀子) state governance ideas: a case study on the theory of human nature (xing性)

Abstract

Xunzi was a Chinese thinker who lived in the period of Warring States (480/403-222 BCE). He was critical of philosophical ideas in his time and brought forward ideas for establishing and preserving order in society. He created a state governance system in which rituals (li 禮) and law (fa 法) worked together. He reasoned his ideas on state governance and theories about an ideal society on his theories of human nature, and he has been criticized for his negative attributions to it. However, in the book bearing his name, Xunzi, it is seen that there are different presentations of his views on human nature. This article presents these different perspectives on Xunzi’s theory of human nature and shows why he attributed negative qualities to it. It offers a better understanding of the character of his theories, in this way, enlightens the way to a better understanding of his state governance ideas.