The Tension and Coupling between Public and Private:A Further Exploration of Xunzi's Distinction between Righteousness and Profit
Xunzi s discussion on righteousness and profit is a practical and materialistic debate that focuses on the distinction between public and private interests,rather than a dispute between pure morality and profit.The concept of"righteousness"in Xunzi's philosophy possesses characteristics of publicness,utilitarianism,and altruism.Firstly,it manifests as a"baseline morality"based on rational consideration and reasoning.Secondly,this moral rationality,through the process of"transforming na-ture through artificiality,"can cultivate a"goodness of altruism"that prioritizes righteousness over prof-it.On the other hand,Xunzi's understanding of"profit"is branded with the label of"private,"refer-ring to self-serving and desire-fulfilling interests that are private,legitimate,and exclusive.Starting from the logical premise of the"dual dimension"of human nature,where"nature and artificiality are separate,"Xunzi advocates a value stance of"The coexistence of righteousness and profit."He de-mands that"profit should not overrule righteousness"and"righteousness should not abandon profit."By regulating profit with righteousness and nurturing desires with etiquette,he maintains a state of"shared possession"and"balance"between the two,aiming for the completeness of human beings.Based on the theoretical foundation of"humanization through transforming nature,"Xunzi proposes the ideal of"unity of righteousness and profit."This ideal aims to achieve a harmonious coupling of public righteousness and private profit,a balance between enriching the country and its people,and a unity of the"moral person"and the"economic person."It is accomplished through the attainment of the saintly realm,where one achieves self-perfection and benefits others.
Xunzithe debate between righteousness and profitthe coexistence of righteousness and profitregulating profits with righteousnessunity of righteousness and profit
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