An elementary study on intersubjective thoughts of Mencius and Xunzi

On the basis of inheriting Confucian ideas and considering their era'8 conditions, Mencius and Xunzi put for ward their ethical philosophy in different directions. Mencius argued that benevolence is the radical principle of the intersubjective relations of human beings, which is significant in the stabilization of social community. Moreover, linking benevolence with human nature he put forward his theory of good nature. On the contrary, Xunzi emphasized that etiquette,which was the intersubjective norm defining human relations,was of great importance. Relating etiquette to human nature he established his theory of evil nature. The different thoughts of Mencius and Xunzi indicated that Confucians before the Qin Dynasty had explored the intersubjective relations and social community in multi-directions,thus forming the basic em bryo of Chinese traditional culture on intersubjectity.