孔子迄荀子「賢者圖像」的變異－以君子為中心的開展

• Main Authors: Shih Kun Li, 施坤利
• Other Authors: 陳佳銘
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2013
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/90446335741290148192

碩士 === 國立中正大學 === 中國文學系暨研究所 === 101 === This study aims at discussing the concept of gentlemen developed by Confucius, Mencius and Xunzi, who were the three Confucian masters in the pre-Chin period of the Chinese history. This paper organizes the “Analects” by Confucius, “Mencius” by Mencius and “Xunzi” by Xunzi and reviews the past literature exploring the social and political conditions during the Spring and Autumn period as well as Warring States period. Then the definitions of “gentlemen” mentioned by the three Confucian masters are presented. In addition, the internal meanings of “gentlemen” from what the three masters said are also reflected in this paper. In this study, three important points are obtained from the perspectives of time line, historical backgrounds and the definitions and cultivation of “gentlemen” mentioned by the three Confucian masters. 1. The concept of gentlemen was formed in responding to the needs of that time and period of history. 2. The variation process refers to that gentlemen cultivated themselves to transfer and shift power to others. 3. The variation of definitions of gentlemen was a type of external release of top-to-bottom practice by gentlemen. In the era of Confucius, the system of courtesy and music in the Western Chou dynasty had already collapsed. However, the climate of courtesy and music still remained in the Spring and Autumn society in the early Eastern Chou dynasty. The concept of gentlemen remarked by Confucius emphasized on cultivating one’s moral characters in order to reassure the common people. Mencius was born in the Warring States period when feudalists fought against each other. The concept of gentlemen which Mencius stressed was the development of more powerful and positive benevolence and righteousness. When it came to the time of Xunzi, during the late Warring States period, the whole society was in disorder and the evil side of human nature explicitly revealed. Therefore, it was expected that external norms could be used to help cultivate more gentlemen. In addition, the gentlemen “who head for achieving something which they know it’s impossible” mentioned during the period of Confucius had turned to be “mature and great men” and “courageous and capable men” proposed by Mencius, and then become what Xunzi called “scholars”. Being supported by the top rulers, the shifts of practicing the concept of gentlemen mentioned by the Confucian masters in pre-Chin period were carried out and applied to every citizen. The cultivation of gentlemen was developed from the inner good to external education norms. Therefore, everyone could be a gentleman and everyone had the potential to be a gentleman. To conclude, everyone could become a gentleman by making an endeavor.