孟子“性善论”的逻辑分析

Logical Analysis of Mencius' Theory of Good Human Nature

孟子所说"性"的含义有三点:指人性中异于禽兽的部分;性善是先天的;指人性中能够为善的动机。从逻辑学的角度来看",性善"实际上是一个理论假设",性善论"的论证属于循环论证。但是",性善论"在价值导向和理论基础方面仍有重要意义,结合荀子的"性恶论"可以更清楚地认识它的价值。

The ＂nature＂ Mencius refers to contains three aspects of meanings： the part in human nature that is different from animals; the good human nature is inborn which refers to the motivation of human nature to do good things. In the sight of logical analysis, ＂good human nature＂ is actually a theoretical assumption, and the argumentation of the theory shows circular reasoning. However, the theory of good human nature is still important as value orientation and theoretical foundation, which could be better understood in comparison with Xunzi＇s theory of evil human nature.