Contrasting and Exploring the Evil Human Nature in Chinese and Western Thought: A Comparative Analysis of Xunzi and Augustine

Abstract

The topic of human nature has always been a significant issue in the field of philosophy, and the process of exploring human nature has revealed cultural differences between the East and the West. This study adopts a comparative approach to analyze the differences in the theory of "evil human nature" between Xunzi and St. Augustine, as well as the cultural disparities reflected in these differences. Through a comparative analysis, three main points of divergence between the two thinkers reflect the cultural differences between Eastern and Western civilizations: the manner in which individuals convert evil nature into goodness, the divergence in the choice of free will, and equality among individuals. These differences ultimately reflect the cultural disparities between Eastern and Western civilizations, with Confucianism and Christianity representing their respective traditions. However, it is undeniable that both Xunzi and Augustine aimed to encourage virtuous conduct and establish a harmonious society permeated by goodness.