The Problem of Evil in Zhu Xi’s Thought

Abstract

In this chapter, I would like to deal with Zhu Xi’s idea of evil in the context of discussion of the problem of contradiction between the factors of determinism and free choice in human behavior. I will bring in Immanuel Kant’s (1724–1804) discussion of the problem. I will show how Kant’s ideas inspire and lead us to the solution of the problem that can be found in Zhu Xi’s idea of physical nature (qizhi zhi xing 氣質之性). This way of handling the topic aims to reveal the significance of Zhu’s idea of evil, or at least one of its important significances.