A Comparative Study Of Mencius And Xun’s Conception Of The Mandate Of Heaven

In the history of Chinese philosophy,the term "mandate of heaven" is regarded as the basis of a state’s power and the justification of the ruler’s power.It is the source of individual life and value.The interpretation of the "mandate of Heaven" varies from dynasty to dynasty.In the meanwhile,Mencius and Xunzi in the Warring States Period had unique understandings of the concept of "Mandate of Heaven".By sorting out the development of the thought of "Mandate of Heaven" in the pre-Qin period and grasping the status and significance of Mencius and Xun’s view of "Mandate of Heaven" in the history of thought,clarifies "heaven","life" and "relationship between heaven and man",namely "heaven" with what nature and "life" with what level of "life",then grasps the relationship between "heaven" and "life" and understands the position of "man" in the universe and society.To understand what people can and should do,what people can’t and shouldn’t do Secondly,analyzes the meaning of "the mandate of Heaven" in the philosophy of Mencius and Xun,and highlights the transcendence of "the Mandate of Heaven" and the practicality of man in the "should" and "how to do".Mencius said "the mandate of heaven" heavy "should",people in the "justice" and "profit" to make a trade-off between,"profit" and take "justice",to help people’s "righteousness","the mandate of heaven".Xunzi said "the mandate of heaven" heavy "how to",for people in the plight of life to provide methodological guidance,so called "the system of the mandate of heaven and use".Finally,identifies the theoretical differences between Mencius and Xun’s view of the Mandate of Heaven,and grasps the philosophical universal meaning of them as Confucists.It makes an innovative interpretation of Mencius and Xun’s view of the Mandate of Heaven,and absorbs the thought and spirit of constancy and transcendence.In the face of various problems in life,how to look at the fate;It provides some valuable thoughts and suggestions on how to get along with nature and how to have positive interaction.In the aspect of human social life,it puts forward the value concept of valuing justice over profit,helping to build a moral system based on Chinese traditional culture.