The One Source Of All Things

What is human nature? Chinese philosopher Zhang Zai 張載 (1020-1077) defined it as “the one source of all things.” This is one of many definitions given by Chinese intellectuals, who emphasized different aspects of human nature to present arguments on moral behavior, political philosophy, affection theories, human interactions, etc. This course explores how the question of what is human nature has been answered by philosophers from the fourth century BCE (when the debate first emerged) to the end of the imperial era, in the 19th century CE, passing through the challenges presented by the arrival of traditions foreign to the Chinese context, such as Buddhism. We will consider why the topic of human nature became a central one in philosophical expressions, and how varying cultural contexts brought out innovative redefinitions. By taking this course students will also learn to navigate major historical phases of Chinese premodern history.