The Sage Follows the Principles of Ethics,while The Monarch Follows the Principles Of Institution——An Interpretation Based On Xunzi's Thinking of Hierarchy of Values
The distinction and definition of ethical and political values reflected Xunzi's"classification thinking".This thinking mode emphasized finding the unity,correlation,and coherence among different parts of the object domain,exploring the consistent value dimensions that existed between them,while also highlighting the representation of each value level on the comprehensive value dimension.Through this mode of thinking,Xunzi revealed the space of meaning where expressions of personal ethics and political values existed independently from each other on the normative and empirical levels,as well as the distinctions in metaphorical dimensions hidden behind this incomparability.The heart of the sage demonstrated the strength of the life subject in the vertical expansion of value commitment,whereas the heart of the monarch embodied the breadth of the life subject in the horizontal integration and nurturing of various individuals."The sage fulfilling all norms"and"the monarch fulfilling all regulations"signified the substantial realization of moral and political ideals.As a result,the personal realm and political ideals introduced by Confucius and Mencius were further defended and elucidated through the unique perspectives provided by the sage's fulfillment of all norms and the monarch's fulfillment of all regulations.
Xunciussagemonarchthinking of hierarchy of valuesmoralitypolitics
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