董仲舒论“情”

Dong Zhongshu’s Studies on Emotion

董仲舒将“情”定义为“情者人之欲也”,将“情”从先天的“性”中分离出来,认为“情”是后天的、受外物“动”而“变”发出来的精神状态。他将阴阳和“情性”联系在一起,为“情”寻找自然哲学根据。他提出“情非度制不节”,强调社会规范、法律制度的重要性和必要性,提倡通过制作礼乐、宣传教化、加强“君子”的示范作用,以改变民风、优化民俗、体恤民情,使情安定,走上正道。这些都有助于政权的巩固、社会的稳定和民情的安乐。

Dong Zhongshu defines emotion as human desire and separates it from innate nature,holding that emotion is the mental state that is acquired due to the influence of the moves and changes of external things.He connects yin and yang with emotion and nature to find the natural and philosophical basis for emotion.He puts forward the idea that“Emotion cannot be controlled without systems,stressing the importance and necessity of social norms and legal systems,and advocates making rituals and music,publicizing educating,and strengthening the exemplary role of“gentlemen”to change and optimize folk customs,sympathize with people’s feelings,make them stable and embark on the right path.All these are conducive to the consolidation of the political power,the stability of the society and the well-being of the people.