Xunzi as a Systematic Philosopher: Toward Organic Unity of Nature, Mind, and Reason

Abstract

To understand Xunzi 荀子 (298–238 BCE) requires us to read through and think through all his essays (32 chapters in his collected works) in totality and to recognize the major theses he has developed through a train of thinking which relates one thesis to another. It is to be recognized that Xunzi is a systematic philosopher who follows Confucius in trying to reach “a thread of penetrating unity of my way” (wudao yiyi guanzhi吾道一以貫之). But he is also like Mencius in responding to issues of his times in order to reach a better solution of these issues in light of his political ideal for a well-ordered society. It is therefore only when we see his time and his life as contexts of understanding that his approach and his views can be better understood and their significance can be better appreciated. For example, why does he assert that human nature is bad in opposition to Mencius’ position that human nature is good? Why does he advocate following both later kings and ancient sages? Why does he offer a new and detailed reconstruction of language and names for developing political governance and social control? Of course I am not here to suggest a merely intellectual historical approach to Xunzi. On the contrary, I wish to bring out the theoretical and systematic side of Xunzi which is necessary for understanding fundamental issues of nature at large, human nature, mind, language, human society, and human government. These are the philosophical issues which came to the forefront in Xunzi’s time and demanded a rethinking and re-evaluation.