2019
Maddalena Poli
- Doctoral Candidate
- University of Pennsylvania
Abstract
My research addresses transmitted sources and excavated manuscripts elaborating the concept of
human nature (xing 性) from the 5th c. BCE to the 2nd c. CE. I have been identifying the most
influential theories on human nature, detailing the scope of their influence, paying particular
attention to those sources that represent the emergence of a technical vocabulary dedicated to the
topic. Philosophical stances were not purely theoretical: how human nature was defined is
reflected in applied contexts of interpersonal relationships; the relationship between the
individual and the state; practices of education and government. It was also echoed in laws
addressing intentionality and responsibility. Recent recoveries of excavated material from the 3rd
c. BCE makes this project a timely intervention to discuss conceptions of human nature and hot
these impinge on other philosophical issues.
human nature (xing 性) from the 5th c. BCE to the 2nd c. CE. I have been identifying the most
influential theories on human nature, detailing the scope of their influence, paying particular
attention to those sources that represent the emergence of a technical vocabulary dedicated to the
topic. Philosophical stances were not purely theoretical: how human nature was defined is
reflected in applied contexts of interpersonal relationships; the relationship between the
individual and the state; practices of education and government. It was also echoed in laws
addressing intentionality and responsibility. Recent recoveries of excavated material from the 3rd
c. BCE makes this project a timely intervention to discuss conceptions of human nature and hot
these impinge on other philosophical issues.