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Virtue Through Habituation: Virtue Cultivation in the Xunzi

In: Journal of Chinese Philosophy
Author:
Siufu Tang School of Chinese, The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR

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https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1654-8439
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Abstract

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 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.

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