A Study Of Xunzi's Musical Thought

Xun Zi is one of the representatives of Confucianism in the Pre-Qin period.His thought is the epitome of the Pre-Qin thought,in which the music thought played an important role in his whole theoretical system.The theory of music is the first article devoted to music thought in history,and its music thought is the inheritance and development of Confucian music thought created by Confucius.Starting from the general situation of pre Qin music,this article analyzes the development of Confucian music thought,in which Confucius and Meng Zi's music thoughts are the important sources of Xunzi's musical thoughts.Within the system of music thought,we first analyzed the view of heaven and man and the theory of human nature.Secondly,in the aesthetic thought of music,we discuss the emergence of music and the aesthetics of music.Thirdly,the content of Xunzi's music education is discussed.Confucianism has always attached great importance to music education,with "music" as an important means of educating the people.Music education is rich in content,mainly including "poetry","etiquette" and "music".These three parts are closely related,but also have their own emphasis.Next,the function of music is discussed,and the function of individual cultivation and society is analyzed.Finally,this article compares the music thought of Hun and other music ideas,including the comparison of the Taoist and Mohist music thoughts of the same era,and the music monographs which are more influential later generations: the comparison between "Yue Ji" and "no sorrow and music".The content of Yue Ji comes directly from Yue Lun,while the theory of sound without sorrow is based on the opposite view of Confucian Music in Yue Lun.The last part of this article discusses the influence and Inspiration of the music thought in later generations.In modern music thought and education,Xunzi's view of music continues.Although the age of Qi is long ago,it is still of great significance and value to study the music thought.