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Abstract
In my M.A. dissertation, I investigate Kurtis Hagen’s constructivist interpretation of the Classical Chinese thinker Xunzi. The American scholar Hagen provides us with a new perspective for understanding the core arguments advanced by Xunzi; in particular, he reconstructs how, for Xunzi, human morality can never be based on some sort of objective standard, but needs to be “created” and “re-created” constantly through new interpretations of existing practices and institutions.
Xunzi’s ideas are complex, but quite consistent. He is concerned with “human nature” (xing) and how to transform it ethically. Only through self-cultivation is it possible to achieve adequate control and achieve a harmonious community life. Therefore, according to Hagen’s reading of Xunzi, instead of asking ourselves what morality actually is, we should rather focus on the construction of legitimate moral standards and a viable social order.
In my understanding, Hagen’s constructivist interpretation allows us to re-interpret Xunzi for our contemporary needs. After having reconstructed Hagen’s interpretation, I explore such a contemporary perspective of reading Xunzi today and also discuss its potential shortcomings.
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