September 29

Wednesday, September 29, 2021
Breakout

Mengzian Moral Psychology and the "Good Nature"

Mengzi’s argument that we should understand our nature to be “good” is foundational to his moral psychology, but also easy to misunderstand. In this class we’ll closely examine the key passages from Mengzi relating to human nature and moral psychology, aiming to understand how his views of psychology, morality, and cultivation fit together.

  • Understand Mengzi’s position on human nature
  • See how Mengzi’s position on human nature informs his moral psychology
  • Develop further practice finding the key claims and arguments in ancient texts

Before Class

  • Recall the three spheres of “moral psychology” presented in the Introductory Unit last week (psychological theory, moral theory, theory of cultivation or therapy)
  • Be prepared to discuss what these are, and how they are related, for Mengzi

After Class

  • N/A
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