This paper investigates virtue cultivation in the Xunzi《荀子》, paying particular attention to the early formation period. I first give a brief survey of the usage of the character de 德 in the Xunzi and the corresponding understanding of virtue cultivation. With the identification of some of the most controversial questions regarding Xunzi’s ethical thought, including how a person with a bad nature comes to be attracted to virtue, recognize the value of virtue cultivation, and embark on the path of virtue cultivation, I then review the efforts that have been made to address these questions and evaluate what challenges remain. I go on to argue that such challenges can be met and articulate how a petty man can be attracted to and also recognize true virtue. Finally, borrowing some resources from Aristotle’s idea of habituation of virtuous actions, I argue that it is possible for a person to embark on virtue cultivation, even though he is without prior moral dispositions and internal motivation for virtue.
中文翻译:
习之德:《荀子》中的修德
本文考察《荀子》中的美德修养。荀子》,特别注意早期形成期。我先简要介绍一下de字符的用法 德在荀子以及对修德的相应认识。辨明荀子伦理思想中最有争议的几个问题,包括坏人是如何被美德所吸引、认识修德的价值、走上修德之路的,然后再回顾一下。为解决这些问题和评估仍然存在的挑战所做的努力。我继续争辩说,这样的挑战是可以应对的,并阐明了一个小人物如何被吸引并认识到真正的美德。最后,借用亚里士多德的善行习惯思想的一些资源,我认为一个人是有可能开始修德的,即使他没有先验的道德倾向和内在的美德动机。