以阴阳释性情——董仲舒对儒学性情形而上学的独特建构

Xing and Qing : An Elucidation by Dong Zhongshu from the Perspective of Yin and Yang

在中国儒学史中的性情问题上 ,董仲舒从阴阳的角度、立足宇宙天道 ,第一次真正在形上高度确立起性情的本体地位。天有性、有情 ,还可通过人世生活反映出自己的性、情 ,于是才能够与人相感应和沟通。阴阳与性情之间存在着一种相互衍生的内在关系 :性有阴阳 ,情有阴阳 ;阳极生阴 ,性之动为情 ;阴极生阳 ,情之动则为欲。“阴阳之气”让天、人发生性情 ,同构感应。天的性情是贵阳贱阴 ,而人的性情则是好仁恶戾 ,帝王君主则应该大德而小刑。董学之“性禾善米说”则深刻地阐释了性情与善恶之间的真实关系 ,是对孔、孟、荀及世硕。

Dong Zhongshu's view on Xing and Qing (namely, human nature and emotion) differs from and even transcends that of Mencius, Xun Zi and New Confucianists in Song and Ming Dynasties. He explains Xing and Qing from the perspective of Yin and Yang. And he was the first person to do so. Yin and Yang can derive from Xing and Qing, and vice versa. Both Xing and Qing have the character of Yin and Yang. Qing comes from the positive Xing. Qi (vital energy) of Yin and Yang endows both heaven and humans with the character of Xing and Qing, and makes them interact. Heaven has the same function as humans. Dong maintains that human nature is not yet good, but it can be guided to become good. A metaphor might be helpful in understanding his theory on Xing and Qing, namely “human nature (Xing) is like grain, and emotion (Qing) rice”.