荀子“化性起伪”思想的逻辑结构与成善机制探究

An Exploration of the Logical Structure and Mechanism of Virtue-Building in Xunzi’s Theory of “Transforming Nature and Giving Rise to Artifice”

摘要: 关于荀子人性论的探讨，看似存在着悖论：一方面荀子认为“人之性恶”，另一方面却又认为“涂之人可以为禹”，二者之间的内在转化就在于“化性起伪”。本文围绕荀子“化性起伪”的概念界定、其哲学性与“化性起伪”何以可能展开系统探讨。荀子虽以“性恶论”著称，但其人性论并非全然否定善的可能，而是强调“化性起伪”与“心”的认知与道德能力在成善过程中的关键作用。本文结合《荀子》文本与近人研究，试图以文本为基础诠释荀子的“化性起伪”思想，并探寻民众如何能化性起伪，善的来源机制如何导致善的行为产生。

Abstract: Discussions regarding Xunzi’s theory of human nature appear to present a paradox: on the one hand, Xunzi maintains that “human nature is evil”; on the other, he asserts that “even a commoner can become a Yu”. The intrinsic transformation between these two positions lies in the concept of “transforming nature and giving rise to artifice”. This paper systematically examines the conceptual definition of Xunzi’s “transforming nature and giving rise to artifice”, its philosophical significance, and the conditions under which it is possible. Although Xunzi is renowned for his “theory of innate evil”, his theory of human nature does not entirely deny the possibility of goodness; rather, it emphasises the crucial role of “transforming nature and giving rise to artifice” and the cognitive and moral capacities of the “mind” in the process of attaining goodness. Drawing upon the text of the Xunzi and recent scholarship, this paper seeks to interpret Xunzi’s thought on “transforming nature to give rise to artifice” on a textual basis, whilst exploring how the common people might achieve this transformation and how the mechanisms underlying goodness lead to virtuous behaviour.