The Ideal State for Humans in Xunzi

Here, attention is given to a cluster of terms that Xunzi uses in his understanding of the ideal state for humans and that reveal their internal relations. The cluster includes zhi 治, li 理, he 和 , and yi 一 . The kind of ideal state for humans that Xunzi envisions is finally explained on the basis of the relations among these terms. Li especially comes under close scrutiny. A new interpretation of li is offered by revealing its holistic nature. In relation to this nature, an ethical and political requirement in Xunzi’s thought is extracted from a relevant notion, da li 大理 . Also, the substantive content of the ideal state is elaborated by examining other relevant terms such as lun 倫 and fen 分 . Finally, the relation of the cluster of terms to the notion that has been traditionally considered central to early Confucian thought, yi 義 , is examined. Briefly stated, the aim here is to bring to light the conceptual map of a cluster of terms that converge on the idea of the ideal state for humans, which is central to Xunzi’s ethical and political thought.

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