The Theory of Measured Sentiments and Dai Zhen's Concept of Public Rationality
In the 21st century research achievements of Dai Zhen's philosophy,the theory of measured sentiments has always been an important topic of discussion among the thinking public.The theory of"measuring sentiments with sentiments"was proposed by Dai Zhen on the basis of criticizing the ethi-cal dilemma caused by Cheng Zhu's theory of"opposition between principle and desire".Specifically,the dialectical opposition between principle and desire in the sense of Gongfu theory(or theory of cultivation and practice)leads to a lack of publicness in the ontological principle,which is a predica-ment faced by Song-Ming Neo-Confucianism itself.Under the strong rationalist tradition of maintaining the principle of Heaven and eliminating human de-sires,the topics of emotions and desires were repeatedly addressed and discussed during the Ming and Qing dynasties.Solving the internal dilemma of Neo-Confucianism and aligning with the developmental trends of the times became an important academic mission for scholars of those periods.Through the moral decision-making process of"measuring sentiments with sentiments",Dai Zhen attempted to achieve a principle that possesses publicness,re-presenting a beneficial effort to resolve this dilemma.He argued for the significant role that sentiment plays in the principle of publicness,distinct from mere opinion,thereby balancing the sentiments of moral individuals with societal consensus.At the same time,he integrated a cognitivist epistemology,regulating from the aspects of"the sentiments of others"and"cognitive ability."Consequently,the principle derived from"measuring sentiments with sentiments"possesses greater publicness,distinctly different from the principle based on opinions held by Song Dynasty Confucians in Dai Zhen's eyes.
measuring sentiments with sentimentsDai Zhenpublic reason
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