The ethical missions of Mencius' doctrine of the innate goodness of human nature
Mencius' doctrine of the innate goodness of human nature seeks to bridge the gaps between the Way of Heaven and the Way of Humanity,truth and goodness,as well as the external environment and the inner self.This grand theoretical ambition is concentrated in three ethical missions:(1) The ontology of human nature establishes the ontological basis of human nature,asserting that human nature is an innate mind inherent in everyone from birth;(2) The value theory of human nature affirms that the goodness of human nature is an inherent moral value originating from the"Four Beginnings,"a goodness that is intrinsic and unaffected by external factors,thus representing the intrinsic value of being human;(3) The methodology of human nature advocates that the practice of human goodness is a process where the Way of Heaven is realized through the actions of the virtuous person,which means that the virtuous person,in accordance with the Way of Heaven,consciously maintains,pursues,and manifests goodness.While Mencius ' doctrine possesses vitality and rationality,it also has its limitations.To effectively carry out its ethical missions in the present day,it needs to be infused with new elements relevant to the contemporary era.
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