The DOI matches its Crossref record; 13 of the 13 references it cites were found in a registry or an index; none of the 55 sources its claims cite is checked for support yet.
Hearts, desires and behavioural patterns: Debating human nature in ancient China
Open accessAbstract
Thinkers in the Zhànguó period of Chinese history debated intensely whether men were by nature “good” or “bad”. This debate has for many years been an important focus of sinological interest, but usually these properties were not attributed to men, but rather to so-called “human nature” (xìng 性) – thus, in effect, mirroring well-known (and problematic) “European” positions and discussions. The aim of this paper is, on the one hand, to redirect attention to the original Zhànguó positions and to explore the reasons for their variance by offering novel and close historical readings of relevant passages, and on the other, to propose a viable historical reconstruction of the common anthropological assumptions underlying these positions by blending it with the traces of a dominant cognitive image present in the texts. This calls for a systematic rethinking of the role of hearts (in the plural), desires, and behavioural patterns in their interplay and as elements of a concept of the psychological build of human beings current in early China.
Overview
AI snapshot
Written from the paper’s full text.
TL;DR
Gassmann argues that early Chinese debates about xìng 性 are better understood as concerning the initial configuration and settings of plural cardiac faculties (xīn 心), desires, and behavioural patterns, rather than as a European-style good-versus-bad human nature dichotomy. Through close philological readings of Mengzi, Xunzi, Liji, Lüshi Chunqiu, and related texts, he reconstructs a psycho-physiological model in which desires indicate hearts and social norms function as counterweights.
Key findings
- The paper claims xìng is not an essential “human nature” property but an initial configuration of cardiac faculties/senses; predicates like good or bad apply to persons or configurations relative to social order, not to xìng itself. It cites Mengzi 6A.06, where Gào says xìng is neither good nor not-good, others say it can be made good or bad, and still others say some are good and some bad, while Mèng asserts good.
- Xīn is polysemous: it can refer to the physical organ, a global psychophysiological organ storing faculties, and individual cardiac faculties or senses. The paper uses Mengzi 6A.06’s four hearts—compassion, shame, respect, and right/wrong—and Liji 19.1’s pairing of emotions with hearts to argue for multiple hearts.
- Desires and dislikes are outward indicators of hearts, and desires can be ranked as lesser or greater, as in Mengzi 6A.10’s fish versus bear’s palm and life versus dutiful behaviour. The relation is not one-to-one: a heart can be moved by different desires, and desires can steer hearts, as in the Lüshi Chunqiu formula that a heart follows a desire.
- Mèng and Xún share assumptions but differ on default settings: Mèng sees the initial configuration as socially compatible, using the water-tends-downward analogy and the child-at-the-well example in Mengzi 2A.06; Xún sees it as deficient and requiring acquired anthropogenic configurations through teachers, rituals, and laws in Xunzi 23.1a–b. The paper proposes a balance or steelyard cognitive image with norms as counterweights.
Methods
- Conceptual and philological reconstruction: close readings and lexicographic analysis of key terms such as xīn, xìng, yù, wù, and shàn across Mengzi, Xunzi, Liji, Lüshi Chunqiu, Guǎnzǐ, and other received texts, with the author’s own translations.
- Uses a cognitive image or metaphor—a balance/steelyard—as a heuristic to visualize relationships among desires, cardiac faculties, norms, and behaviour; the author revises and discards an earlier equal-armed balance model after textual counterevidence.
- No empirical sample or statistical analysis; the argument is textual and interpretive, built from numbered citations of received texts.
Limitations
- Stated: the author acknowledges shortcomings, gaps in the argument, and a bias toward certain texts; the work is preliminary, cannot enter deeper grammatical discussions or comprehensive lexical analyses of all relevant terms due to time and space, and does not summarize or criticize other scholars’ positions.
- Stated: an earlier cognitive model had to be discarded because it contradicted textual evidence, such as separate hearts for sorrow and happiness, and did not fit the observable psycho-physiological evidence.
- Evident: the reconstruction is speculative and depends on selected received texts and the author’s translations; the cognitive image is offered tentatively, and although recently found bamboo manuscripts are mentioned, they are not analyzed in this paper.
Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.
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Claims the paper makes
71 Own interpretation · 48 Sources not found · 26 No basis given · 4 Own result · 2 Not checked yet
A result the paper reports from its own data — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“In these three passages, presumably spread over the entire third century BC,w e can observe that yù 欲 in the sense of”
§ A Desirable Theory > 6. The sense organs and their commanders
hedgedstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Similarly, we have desires embedded in certain cardiac faculties, e.g. the sense of sorrow.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 6. The sense organs and their commanders
plainstates an association- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: unclear — It is unclear whether the paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
In the paper
“The commanding position of the cardio-mental faculty or faculties approving or disapproving of certain actions (in our terms: of the mind), is explicitly discussed in the following passage from the Xúnzǐ:”
§ A Desirable Theory > 6. The sense organs and their commanders
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites Xúnzǐ
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
boosted- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
- Not matched
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“(b) to a global psychophysiological organalso named xīnwhich acts as a storage place for comprehensive cardiac faculties;”
§ A Desirable Theory > 隱心
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“The fact that the heart or cardiac faculties are said to be”
§ A Desirable Theory > 7. A cognitive image of the psycho-physiological heart
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“(c) to individual cardiac faculties or sets of related faculties stored in (b) and also named xīn, i.e. to the innate or acquired abilities constituting mental, perceptual, sensory, and psychic processes.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 隱心
plainstates an association- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“It is obvious that the modifying expressions refer to social roles, e.g.father, son, etc.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 5. Translating xīn 心 -some thoughts on two cases
boostedstates an association- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
None of the sources cited for this claim have been checked yet.
In the paper
“Squire Xún, naturally, prescribes quite a different therapy.In order to get people to behave in a socially adequate way, he is prepared to apply pressure and even force:”
§ A Desirable Theory > 8. Human nature? A matter of keeping or setting hearts right
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
None of the sources cited for this claim could be matched to a paper in Crossref, so there is nothing to check it against.
In the paper
“first, Squire Mèng does not contradict the assumption that the initial configuration of human beings' cardiac faculties can be formed into something else, e.g.into a new configuration (cf.Squire Xún's use of wèi 偽 in citations 36, 38, 41, and note 38).”
§ A Desirable Theory > 8. Human nature? A matter of keeping or setting hearts right
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites citations 36, 38, 41
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Not matchedcites note 38
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
- Not matched
None of the sources cited for this claim have been checked yet.
In the paper
“Squire Mèng observes how human beings spontaneously react in certain situations, and concludes from this that such unreflected behaviour clearly discloses the basically compatible default position of the heart's settings.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 8. Human nature? A matter of keeping or setting hearts right
boostedstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
- Rests on an assumption: Unthinking, spontaneous behaviour in given situations reflects the default settings of cardiac faculties.
- Probably not a substantial claim. 74
- It may state two separate claims as one. 57
- The quote only partly states this claim. 4
In the paper
“First of all, he lists a good number of desires and dislikes: (a) yù yú 欲魚 “desire for fish”; (b) yù xióng zhǎng 欲熊掌 “desire for bear's palm”; (c) yù shēng 欲生 “desire to remain alive”; (d) yù yì 欲義 “desire to behave dutifully”; (e) suǒ yù yǒu shèn yú shēng zhě 所欲有甚於生者 “among things one desires there are such that are more [desirable] than remaining alive”; (f) wù sǐ 惡死 “dislike dying”; (g) suǒ wù”
§ A Desirable Theory > 3. The workings of desires or dislikes
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites Mèng 6A.10
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim.
- Not matched
In the paper
“Squire Mèng asserts: “the 'heart' that [judges whether something is] right or wrong is the starting point of intelligent behaviour” (shì fēiz h ī xīn zhì zhī duāny ě 是非之心智之端也; Mèng 2A.06).”
§ A Desirable Theory > 隱心
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites Mèng 2A.06
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim.
- Not matched
In the paper
“Squire Mèng repeatedly lists objects or happenings that can be taken as exemplifications of citation 8 (above) from the Lǐ Jì.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 3. The workings of desires or dislikes
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites Lǐ Jì 9.23
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: fails — The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Not matched
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“The textual evidence and the implications of the passages discussed show that this word refers to several lexically related, but separate entities:”
§ A Desirable Theory > 隱心
plain- Asserted: fails — The authors may not put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: fails — The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Based: fails — The paper may give no reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. The authors may not put it forward as true. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
In the paper
“Elsewhere, Squire Mèng gives this “heart” a name: it is “the 'heart' that [judges whether something is] right or wrong” (shì fēiz h ī xīn 是 非之心) -and of this “heart” Squire Mèng also asserts that all human beings have it (Mèng 6A.06).”
§ A Desirable Theory > 隱心
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites Mèng 6A.06
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.
- Not matched
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“As the written form of the expression shì xīn 是心 does not differentiate between singular and plural, he could be referring to a specific “heart” or to various kinds of “hearts””
§ A Desirable Theory > 隱心
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: fails — The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Based: fails — The paper may give no reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
In the paper
“The predicate phrase in these commandments is composed of verbs referring to the realization (shí 實) of the related social role.The degree of realization can be assessed by comparing actual with prescribed behaviour.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 5. Translating xīn 心 -some thoughts on two cases
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites Lùn Yǔ 12.11
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
- Not matched
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“These organs and cardiac faculties do not think, nor do they appraise what they are inclined to do.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 6. The sense organs and their commanders
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
None of the sources cited for this claim could be matched to a paper in Crossref, so there is nothing to check it against.
In the paper
“Movement of a cardiac faculty can in certain cases be positive, i.e. when it moves to a balanced position, or negative, i.e. when it becomes unbalanced.The terms used for these are”
§ A Desirable Theory > 7. A cognitive image of the psycho-physiological heart
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites Mèng 2A.02
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Not matchedcites Mèng 2A.06
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Not matchedcites Mèng 7B.31
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: unclear — It is unclear whether the paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
- Not matched
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“The expressions listed above thus comprise the following mentalities: of a baby, of a dutiful son, of a father or mother, of a mín, or of a lord.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 不可知矣.
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim.
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Let me begin with expressions of the type āixīn 哀心, which, in the context given above, is a genitive, and which I translated with '”
§ A Desirable Theory > 5. Translating xīn 心 -some thoughts on two cases
plainn = 2- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: fails — The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“A cardiac faculty or sense in such a state would be termed”
§ A Desirable Theory > 7. A cognitive image of the psycho-physiological heart
hedged- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: fails — The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
In the paper
“And the Lǐ Jì pairs these moods with the corresponding”
§ A Desirable Theory > 隱心
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites Lǐ Jì 19.1
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plainstates an association- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim.
- Not matched
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“To be “moral” in the societies of the Zhànguó-period, i.e. to be “good” or “bad”, meant to learn to behave in orderly ways, meant to conform to the customs (< lat.mos), regulations, and usages of kinship groups and of society, meant to conserve the traditions and achievements of the sage kings.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 10. Closing remarks
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“A person excelling in his role (shàn rén 善人) as a member of society or kinship group qualifies as a good person.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 10. Closing remarks
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: fails — It may be too vague to check against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence.
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“I therefore take gù 故 as a loan for gù 固 in the sense “become solid; solidify” → “become persistent (in time)”.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 8. Human nature? A matter of keeping or setting hearts right
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: fails — The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Based: fails — The paper may give no reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“The initial configuration of human beings' cardiac faculties is either a sound foundation (Squire Mèng's position) or a deficient foundation (Squire Xún's position) for building a well-ordered human society.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 8. Human nature? A matter of keeping or setting hearts right
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Squire Xún, unlike Squire Mèng, does not rely on at least some of the innate desires being socially acceptable and therefore guaranteeing basic values of a functioning society and state.On the contrary, he qualifies all of them as despicable and unbalanced.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 10. Closing remarks
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
A result the paper reports from its own data — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Further investigation of the topic, however, showed that this preliminary reconstruction and the accompanying image not only contradicted textual evidence in decisive points, but also did not seem to furnish a convincing or plausible image of the observable psycho-physiological evidence in ancient Chinese times.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 8. Human nature? A matter of keeping or setting hearts right
hedged- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Squire Mèng argues that the multiple scales of the initial configuration all incline towards the compatible positions, Squire Xún assumes that they incline towards the incompatible.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 8. Human nature? A matter of keeping or setting hearts right
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
In the paper
“If one looks at it from this point of view, then the deficiency of the initial configuration of human beings' cardiac faculties is evident.The compatible ones [amongst] them are (acquired) anthropogenic configurations [of the cardiac faculties].38 (Xún 23.1a)”
§ A Desirable Theory > 8. Human nature? A matter of keeping or setting hearts right
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites Xún 23.1a
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
- Not matched
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Squire Xún posits that the initial configuration of human beings' hearts is incompatible with good social order.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 8. Human nature? A matter of keeping or setting hearts right
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim.
A result the paper reports from its own data — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Reviewing sentences with shàn, it becomes clear that this word is associated with the notion of excellence and adequacy, but it also emerges that it always implies a certain field of excellence or compatibility, i.e. good at what, or good for what?”
§ A Desirable Theory > 8. Human nature? A matter of keeping or setting hearts right
boostedstates an association- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
In the paper
“And the Lǐ Jì pairs these moods with the corresponding “heart”:”
§ A Desirable Theory > 隱心
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites Lǐ Jì
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plainstates an association- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: fails — The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Not matched
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“As the sequel to the dialogue between Squire Gōng-dū and Squire Mèng shows, the question of the natural endowment xìng is intimately and importantly related to concepts of what is usually (not in an enlightening way) termed “heart” or “heart-mind” (xīn 心).”
§ A Desirable Theory > 2. The issues
boostedstates an association- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
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- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“According to Squire Mèng, the same explanation applies to his not becoming a true king:”
§ A Desirable Theory > 2. The issues
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“After rejecting the items on a list of possible desires (food, music, comfort, etc.), Squire Mèng explicitly names the King's great desireand severely criticizes it because of the obvious lack of (self-)reflection:”
§ A Desirable Theory > 2. The issues
plainstates a causeSingle case- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: unclear — It is unclear whether the paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“The desire for fish and for remaining alive, according to him, are lesser desires (xiǎoy ù小欲) compared with the cravings or greater desires (dà yù 大欲) for bear's palm or for dutiful behaviour.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 3. The workings of desires or dislikes
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“As we can see, the relation between “hearts” and desires or dislikes is neither unique nor uniform, i.e. a certain desire can be the trigger for different “hearts”, whereas one and the same “heart” can be moved by different desires or dislikes.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 3. The workings of desires or dislikes
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
In the paper
“In Lector in fabula, Umberto Eco draws an interesting and fundamental typological distinction between the reader of a text and the user of a text.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 1. Credo
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites Lector in fabula
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: fails — The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Not matched
None of the sources cited for this claim could be matched to a paper in Crossref, so there is nothing to check it against.
In the paper
“[Faculties by natural] endowment [such as] loving or hating, being pleased or angry, sorrowing or enjoyingthese [the future king] should term “moods”.(Xún 22.1b; cf. also 17.3a)”
§ A Desirable Theory > 隱心
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites Xún 22.1b
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Not matchedcites 17.3a
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim.
- Not matched
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Squire Mèng, whose desires have been listed above, must therefore have had at least seven “hearts”, e.g. one desiring fish (a) and one desiring bear's palm (b), one desiring to live (c) and one detesting dying (f), etc.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 3. The workings of desires or dislikes
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: fails — The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
In the paper
“A/the “heart” thus stores [further] “hearts”.In the middle of a “heart”, the existence of additional “hearts” is to be assumed.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 隱心
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites Guǎnzǐ 49
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.
- The authors state this as an assumption: Mencius also had a heart that desires food.
- Not matched
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Now, this “heart” stands for a specific critical power of mind, for a reflective or self-reflective awareness.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 隱心
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Squire Mèng decomposes this “heart” into the following four constituent “hearts”: 'agitated “heart”' (chù xīn 怵心), 'shocked “heart”' (tì xīn 愓心), 'empathizing “heart”' (cè xīn 惻心), and 'compassionate “heart”' (yǐnx īn 隱心).”
§ A Desirable Theory > 4. Different kinds of "hearts"
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: fails — The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- The authors state this as an assumption: Mencius also had a heart that desires food.
In the paper
“In 1A.07, in many respects one of the most interesting dialogues, 11 Squire Mèng claims that the King has the ability to become a true king.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 2. The issues
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites Mèng 1A.07
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: fails — The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Not matched
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“I doubt whether Squire Mèng should be classified as a philosopher.The main role that emerges from a close reading of the Mèngzǐ is that of a homo politicus, of an important and influential policy-making statesman and counsellor.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 1. Credo
hedged- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: fails — It may be too vague to check against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: fails — The paper may give no reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.
In the paper
“In a rightly famous passage Squire Mèng asserts the following: 7 惻隱之心, 人皆有之; 羞惡之心, 人皆有之; 恭敬之心, 人皆有之; 是非 之心, 人皆有之.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 2. The issues
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites Mèng 6A.06
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.
- Not matched
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Such approaches are not intended to furnish the reader with an approximation of the historical reality of the author and his text(s) or the ideas current at that time, and they tend to translate texts and terminology in ways adapted to their own needs or to the needs of their prospective readers.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 1. Credo
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim.
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“This debate has for many years been an important focus of sinological interest, but usually these properties were not attributed to men, but rather to so-called “human nature” (xìng 性) -thus, in effect, mirroring well-known (and problematic) “European” positions and discussions.”
§ A Desirable Theory > Abstract
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim.
In the paper
“it comprises several instances of the word xīn 心, which quite obviously does not refer to the physical organ “heart” but rather seems to oscillate between several psychological and physiological meanings or references”
§ A Desirable Theory > 2. The issues
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites Lǐ Jì 9.23
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
hedged- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
- Not matched
In the paper
“The reader, he states, is interested in finding out the intention of the author or compiler of a text.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 1. Credo
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites Umberto Eco
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plain- Asserted: fails — The authors may not put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: fails — The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. The authors may not put it forward as true. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Not matched
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“The meaning and the functions of xīn, however, are essential for a deeper understanding of the conceptor conceptsof man during the Zhànguó period.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 2. The issues
plainstates an association- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: fails — It may be too vague to check against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Some are clearly already in working condition, others are there to be developed.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 隱心
boosted- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Thinkers in the Zhànguó period of Chinese history debated intensely whether men were by nature “good” or “bad”.”
§ A Desirable Theory > Abstract
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“That the King's kindness reaches animals but not the Hundred Clans means that he is simply not doing what he should as a king, not that he is unable to do it.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 2. The issues
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“This structure with two levels is also displayed in the case of the '“heart” that is not unfeeling towards others (bù rěn rén zhī xīn 人皆有不忍人之心; citation 33), itself a “variety of humane behaviour” (rén shù 仁術).”
§ A Desirable Theory > 4. Different kinds of "hearts"
plainstates an association- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: fails — The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- The authors state this as an assumption: Mencius also had a heart that desires food.
In the paper
“The stance of the user is quite the opposite: here the text is used to set forth one's own ideasthe text is a mine for relevant data to support a theory that is currently debated and of morals and learning, encouraging the resort of inquiring minds, in order to resolve their doubts and inform them on the true principles of virtue and society.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 1. Credo
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites Umberto Eco
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: fails — The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.
- Not matched
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Classifying Squire Mèng as a philosopher, therefore, naturally calls for philosophical renderings of the ancient Chinese terms, for selective reading, and presupposes or implies philosophers as the preferred readership.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 1. Credo
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: fails — It may be too vague to check against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. It may state two separate claims as one.
None of the sources cited for this claim could be matched to a paper in Crossref, so there is nothing to check it against.
In the paper
“Squire Mèng called it”
§ A Desirable Theory > 6. The sense organs and their commanders
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites Mèng 2A.06
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Not matchedcites Mèng 6A.06
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
- Not matched
In the paper
“A ruler feeling the urge (yù 欲) to swallow the empire will develop a framework or mindset upon doing so (yǒutūn tiān-xià zhī xīn 有吞天下之心, ZGC 167/86/1), and this will translate into a spate of actions designed to fulfil this desire”
§ A Desirable Theory > 不可知矣.
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites ZGC 167/86/1
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plainstates a causeSingle case- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one. The quote only partly states this claim.
- Not matched
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“This harmony is not based on equality; every instrument has to play its appointed part and to submit to the instructions of the director, alias the lord of the state or mastermind.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 8. Human nature? A matter of keeping or setting hearts right
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: fails — The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Rests on an assumption: The extant texts attributed to Mèngzǐ and Xúnzǐ reliably represent the concepts of ancient Chinese thinkers.
In the paper
“The one acting as cardio-mental faculty is the lord with regard to the physical body, but [at the same time only] a head with regard to [a person's] spiritual acumen.It issues commands, but amongst [those commanded] there is not one from whom it accepts commands.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 6. The sense organs and their commanders
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites Xún 21.6a
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.
- Not matched
In the paper
“This is also the case when a cardiac faculty is stunted or disappears completelyand this can even happen to innate faculties; Squire Mèng says:”
§ A Desirable Theory > 7. A cognitive image of the psycho-physiological heart
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites Mèng 2A.06
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: unclear — It is unclear whether the paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
- Not matched
In the paper
“As the sensory organs ear and eye 25 do not cogitate, they are misled by things.When [these] things (i.e.ear or eye) adhere to others (i.e. to a phenomenon), the former simply attracts the latter.The sensory organs in the [corresponding] cardiac faculties, however, cogitate.By cogitating they comprehend things; if not, things are incomprehensible.(Mèng 6A.15)”
§ A Desirable Theory > 6. The sense organs and their commanders
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites Mèng 6A.15
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.
- Not matched
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“In such cases, the word xīn clearly refers to sets of faculties.This specific mindset, this mentality, is the basis for actions or responses within a prescribed social framework.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 不可知矣.
boostedstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“The cognitive image also suggests that the norms or rules that supply the basis for gauging a cardiac faculty, i.e. the counterweight, are a fixture of the corresponding cardiac faculty.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 7. A cognitive image of the psycho-physiological heart
hedgedstates an association- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: fails — The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Rests on an assumption: Social norms function as counterweights with fixed weight and position.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“This implies that the balance has no built-in checks on the range which the arms could possibly travel, i.e. the more intense a desire or hatred, the further up or down the arms can travel.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 7. A cognitive image of the psycho-physiological heart
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: unclear — It is unclear whether the paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“We can measure different dimensions, but in contexts related to cardiac faculties or senses, the concept of”
§ A Desirable Theory > 7. A cognitive image of the psycho-physiological heart
plainstates an association- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: unclear — It is unclear whether the paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
In the paper
“Squire Mèng states that the”
§ A Desirable Theory > 7. A cognitive image of the psycho-physiological heart
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites Mèng 2A.02
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plainstates an association- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: unclear — It is unclear whether the paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
- Not matched
In the paper
“If the will enjoys priority, then it moves the vital energies; if the vital energies enjoy priority, then they move the will.Now in cases where somebody naturally stumbles or hastens this is due to a vital energy, but it adversely moves his cardiac faculty.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 7. A cognitive image of the psycho-physiological heart
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites Mèng 2A.02
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.
- Not matched
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Excessive sorrow would tip the left arm of the balance downwards, a deficient expression of sorrow would let it rise.In a strongly ritualized society, both of these expressions or movements are publicly undesirable, even when they would seem personally appropriate and perfectly understandable.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 7. A cognitive image of the psycho-physiological heart
hedgedstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
- Rests on an assumption: Social norms function as counterweights with fixed weight and position.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“For such operations, there is a need for a tertium comparationis, i.e. we need predetermined values with which we can compare.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 7. A cognitive image of the psycho-physiological heart
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: fails — The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
In the paper
“[The patterns] of humane, dutiful, ritual and intelligent behaviour are not of the kind that are infused into us from without.They are of the kind that firmly exist in us.(Mèng 6A.06)”
§ A Desirable Theory > 7. A cognitive image of the psycho-physiological heart
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites Mèng 6A.06
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
- Not matched
In the paper
“If someone sees that something may be desired, then he must be one who considers front and back whether it may be detested.If he sees that something may be profitable, then he must be one who considers front and back whether it may be harmful.But weighing it both ways, he fully calculates it.As soon as he has done so, he settles the accepting or abandoning of his desires and dislikes.(Xún 3.13)”
§ A Desirable Theory > 7. A cognitive image of the psycho-physiological heart
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites Xún 3.13
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
- Not matched
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“The following passage shows that several such faculties are to be assumed, being paired with a corresponding organ.Its designation, xīn, is best discussed in conjunction with the sense organs (tiāng u ān 天官).”
§ A Desirable Theory > 6. The sense organs and their commanders
boostedstates an association- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“These, at first, I envisioned as arranged in the form of equal-armed balances.The extreme points of the arms (duān 端) 30 of such pairs can, for emotions, be conceived of as weights in different counter-balanced positions or, for sensory faculties, as switches with two antithetical positions:”
§ A Desirable Theory > 8. Human nature? A matter of keeping or setting hearts right
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: fails — The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Rests on an assumption: The extant texts attributed to Mèngzǐ and Xúnzǐ reliably represent the concepts of ancient Chinese thinkers.
None of the sources cited for this claim could be matched to a paper in Crossref, so there is nothing to check it against.
In the paper
“Judging from the textual evidence, especially in the Mèngzǐ and the Xúnzǐ, xìng is the designation of this initial configuration of cardiac faculties:”
§ A Desirable Theory > 8. Human nature? A matter of keeping or setting hearts right
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites Mèngzǐ
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Not matchedcites Xúnzǐ
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim.
- Rests on an assumption: The extant texts attributed to Mèngzǐ and Xúnzǐ reliably represent the concepts of ancient Chinese thinkers.
- Not matched
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Now, the fulfilment of a social role is dependent on complex faculties, appropriate behavioural patternslet us say, a specific mindset.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 5. Translating xīn 心 -some thoughts on two cases
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: fails — It may be too vague to check against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence.
In the paper
“Human beings by nature, and according to most listings, have five sense organs (wǔ guān 五官), which, says Squire Mèng, are linked to their faculties in a special way:”
§ A Desirable Theory > 6. The sense organs and their commanders
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites Mèng
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plainstates an association- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: fails — The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.
- Not matched
In the paper
“As Squire Mèng says:”
§ A Desirable Theory > 7. A cognitive image of the psycho-physiological heart
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites Mèng 7B.35
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: fails — The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Not matched
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“The word xīn 心, when in appositive constructions with nouns of the type āi, can thus be translated by”
§ A Desirable Theory > 5. Translating xīn 心 -some thoughts on two cases
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: fails — The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
In the paper
“According to Lǚ Shì ChūnQiū 20/8.1, they are (also) stimulated by desires (xīn suí yù 心隨欲) -either in a steered way or like independent commanders.If desires are not limited by norms, their corresponding faculties will lack measure (dù 度).”
§ A Desirable Theory > 7. A cognitive image of the psycho-physiological heart
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites LSCQ 20/8.1
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
- Not matched
In the paper
“This mastermind must be operating when Squire Mèng states that desires and dislikes can be graded as lesser (xiǎo 小) or greater (dà 大), and that reaching a decision necessitates”
§ A Desirable Theory > 7. A cognitive image of the psycho-physiological heart
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites Mèng
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
- Not matched
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“The expression”
§ A Desirable Theory > 5. Translating xīn 心 -some thoughts on two cases
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: fails — The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Based: fails — The paper may give no reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“We perceive, or are taught, and thus with the corresponding cardiac facultiesknow, which things are better or higher-valued, and which are not.As a last resort, we can also choose to reduce our desires and hopefully escape from certain dilemmata.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 7. A cognitive image of the psycho-physiological heart
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: fails — The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“By natural endowment, man has complementary, paired cardiac faculties or senses (e.g.love vs. hate, seeing vs. not-seeing, being respectful vs. non-respectful, etc.).”
§ A Desirable Theory > 8. Human nature? A matter of keeping or setting hearts right
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim.
- Rests on an assumption: The extant texts attributed to Mèngzǐ and Xúnzǐ reliably represent the concepts of ancient Chinese thinkers.
In the paper
“By natural disposition,foot_9 auditory [organs]foot_10 have a desire (yù 欲) for sounds.If, however, [the corresponding cardio-mental] faculty (xīn 心) does not enjoy them, they refuse to listen even when the Five Key Tones are set before them.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 6. The sense organs and their commanders
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites LSCQ 5/4.1
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
- Not matched
In the paper
“The eye, ear, nose, mouth, and body are [faculties] each being able to interact [with objects], but not to observe their own capacities.Now: such [capacities] are termed”
§ A Desirable Theory > 6. The sense organs and their commanders
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites Xún 17.3a
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one. The quote only partly states this claim.
- Not matched
In the paper
“The thing”
§ A Desirable Theory > 8. Human nature? A matter of keeping or setting hearts right
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites Xún 22.5b
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
- Not matched
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“The character xìng is a compound of 生 shēng, which refers to something at birth or still in the raw, and radical 61 (心 / 忄), thus inviting us to suspect that it does have something to do with the state of the psychophysiological heart or the cardiac faculties at birth.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 8. Human nature? A matter of keeping or setting hearts right
hedgedstates an association- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: fails — The paper may give no reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
- Rests on an assumption: The extant texts attributed to Mèngzǐ and Xúnzǐ reliably represent the concepts of ancient Chinese thinkers.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“This confirms that the individual is lord over the cardio-mental faculty as well as the related perceptual faculties.The way he displays his leadership is by exercising his will and setting his priorities right.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 6. The sense organs and their commanders
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“The overall impression we gather seems to point to an anthropological set-up with a strong penchant for, and the distinct marks of, a multi-layered bureaucratic organization: first, a hierarchy of authority, i.e. chain of command; second, a specialization of functions, i.e. different”
§ A Desirable Theory > 8. Human nature? A matter of keeping or setting hearts right
hedged- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
- Rests on an assumption: The extant texts attributed to Mèngzǐ and Xúnzǐ reliably represent the concepts of ancient Chinese thinkers.
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“The designation of a social role, e.g. a nomen agentis like”
§ A Desirable Theory > 5. Translating xīn 心 -some thoughts on two cases
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: fails — The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“When it comes to interaction with”
§ A Desirable Theory > 6. The sense organs and their commanders
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“The mentality of a father versus his son does not exclude the mentality of a dutiful son versus his son's grandfather.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 不可知矣.
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: fails — It may be too vague to check against evidence.
- Load-bearing: fails — The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
In the paper
“[Faculties] of the senses' initial configuration [such as] loving or hating, being pleased or angry, sorrowing or enjoyingthese [the future king] should term”
§ A Desirable Theory > 8. Human nature? A matter of keeping or setting hearts right
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites Xún 22.1b
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim.
- Not matched
In the paper
“What if certain cardiac faculties or senses with the related norms are not part of the natural endowment?These can be acquired by learning (xué 學) and enquiring (wèn 問; Mèng 6A.11).”
§ A Desirable Theory > 7. A cognitive image of the psycho-physiological heart
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites Mèng 6A.11
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plainstates a cause- Asserted: fails — The authors may not put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. The authors may not put it forward as true.
- Not matched
In the paper
“All men do service as follows: the way of serving defers to cardiac faculties, and the cardiac faculties defer to desires.If a desire does not have something that gauges it, its corresponding cardiac faculty will lack measure.If a cardiac faculty does not have something that gauges it, then what it is doing denies insight.(LSCQ 20/8.1)”
§ A Desirable Theory > 不可知矣.
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites LSCQ 20/8.1
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.
- Not matched
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Neither are such sets necessarily fixed for all time: it is possible to change one's mind or heart, to assume a new outlook or mentality.The corresponding expression is biàn xīn 變心, i.e. to replace one mentality with another”
§ A Desirable Theory > 不可知矣.
hedged- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“In the same way the empire is brought into, or sustained in, balance (tiān-xià píng 天下平), the heart or the constellation of cardiac faculties is meant to reach, or remain in, an equilibrium (xīn píng 心平).Similar to the harmony (hé 和) established between mín (民), rén (人) and the Hundred Clans (bǎi xìng 百姓), the psycho-physiological heart or the orchestra of cardiac faculties is meant to achieve, or”
§ A Desirable Theory > 8. Human nature? A matter of keeping or setting hearts right
plainstates an association- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.
- Rests on an assumption: The extant texts attributed to Mèngzǐ and Xúnzǐ reliably represent the concepts of ancient Chinese thinkers.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“It has repeatedly failed to recognize and acknowledge the complexity of the texts concerned, and it has often heavily relied on imperfect, inadequate translations to confirm arguments and ostensibly build theoriessurrogate theories that mostly originate in current academic scenes or fashions rather than spring from a vital and independent historical interest in the problems which concerned ancient”
§ A Desirable Theory > 10. Closing remarks
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: fails — It may be too vague to check against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: fails — The paper may give no reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“It comes as no surprise that desire, and not heart, is ultimately the keyword of the debate.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 10. Closing remarks
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“The two extreme positions, “good” according to Squire Mèng, “bad” according to Squire Xún, can be explained by the position of the balance-arms: for the former, all dip to the compatible side, for the latter, all to the incompatible side.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 8. Human nature? A matter of keeping or setting hearts right
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: fails — The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Based: fails — The paper may give no reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Sinology would then have been dealing with a pseudo-problem due to the unreflected imposition of occidental positions.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 8. Human nature? A matter of keeping or setting hearts right
hedgedstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: fails — It may be too vague to check against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“To put it very simply: if man were basically good because his nature is originally good (which is assumed to be the position of Squire Mèng), then the existence or the source of evil must become a problem; however, if he is basically bad because his nature is originally bad (which is assumed to be the position of Squire Xún), then the existence or the source of the good must become a problem.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 8. Human nature? A matter of keeping or setting hearts right
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“These two extremely different judgements on the soundness of the initial configuration as a foundation for social order inevitably result in different educational formulae for dealing with the corresponding situation.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 8. Human nature? A matter of keeping or setting hearts right
boostedstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Thus, a “good person” has expertise in judging the permissibility of desires (shàn yú kě yù 善於可欲), and the right desires will stimulate the right cardiac faculties (xīn suí yù 心隨欲).”
§ A Desirable Theory > 10. Closing remarks
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“As these two thinkers, so far as I can see, fail to give us the slightest clue that such metaphysical questions had to be solved, it just might be that they did not have to tackle such problems in the first place!”
§ A Desirable Theory > 8. Human nature? A matter of keeping or setting hearts right
hedgedstates a possible cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“It appears that the debate has become mired in a self-centred linguistic and cultural marshland as regards the questions asked, the concepts proposed, and the terminology used.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 10. Closing remarks
hedged- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: fails — It may be too vague to check against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“This reconstruction of the meaning of xìng accounts for all sorts of stabilized, original or acquired settings and typical combinations: a person may retain a pristine configuration”
§ A Desirable Theory > 8. Human nature? A matter of keeping or setting hearts right
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one. The quote only partly states this claim.
- Rests on an assumption: The extant texts attributed to Mèngzǐ and Xúnzǐ reliably represent the concepts of ancient Chinese thinkers.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“This categorization not only presupposes that a personby nature or by learningknows how to assign objects to the correct category, it also lets thinkers avoid the metaphysical trap so prominent and difficult to deal with in Western philosophy, namely the tendency to posit “the good” and “the bad” as mutually exclusive absolutes.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 10. Closing remarks
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.
In the paper
“Finally, this reconstruction of xìng, in an easily adaptable understanding, also makes sense in passages where the original nature of phenomena other than human beings are discussed:”
§ A Desirable Theory > 8. Human nature? A matter of keeping or setting hearts right
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites LSCQ 1/2.2
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: unclear — It is unclear whether the paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
The quote only partly states this claim.
- Rests on an assumption: The extant texts attributed to Mèngzǐ and Xúnzǐ reliably represent the concepts of ancient Chinese thinkers.
- Not matched
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“A person may be fixed or remain in a compatible or incompatible position, or it may develop into one or the other as he or she is subjected to configurational ups and downs due to the vicissitudes or contingencies of life.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 8. Human nature? A matter of keeping or setting hearts right
hedgedstates a possible cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: fails — The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.
In the paper
“Other basic positions, such as that set forth in citation 6, can be explained within this conceptual reconstruction, which also lends itself to two other views put forward in the sinological debate, namely the static and the dynamic view of “human nature”.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 8. Human nature? A matter of keeping or setting hearts right
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites citation 6
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: fails — The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.
- Not matched
The authors state this as an assumption.
In citation 6, xìng is used adverbially.
“It is therefore reasonable to assume that in the following citation 6 xìng is also adverbial.”
The authors state this as an assumption.
Mencius also had a heart that desires food.
“We may therefore reasonably assume that Squire Mèng also had a '“heart” that desires food (yù shí zhī xīn 欲食之心).”
The paper relies on this without support.
The extant texts attributed to Mèngzǐ and Xúnzǐ reliably represent the concepts of ancient Chinese thinkers.
“Judging from the textual evidence, especially in the Mèngzǐ and the Xúnzǐ, xìng is the designation of this initial configuration of cardiac faculties:”
The paper relies on this without support.
Social norms function as counterweights with fixed weight and position.
“Social norms acting as counterweights, however, generally have a fixed weight and position.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The deeper one's sorrow, the more superficial one's happiness.
“The deeper one's sorrow, the more superficial one's happiness.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The more egotistic an inclination, the worse for society; the more altruistic, the better.
“The more egotistic the inclination, the worse for society it is; the more altruistic, the better.”
The authors state this as an assumption.
The initial configuration of human cardiac faculties can be reshaped into something else, such as a new configuration.
“first, Squire Mèng does not contradict the assumption that the initial configuration of human beings' cardiac faculties can be formed into something else, e.g.into a new configuration (cf.Squire Xún's use of wèi 偽 in citations 36, 38, 41, and note 38).”
The paper relies on this without support.
Unthinking, spontaneous behaviour in given situations reflects the default settings of cardiac faculties.
“This is thought to reflect the behavioural default settings of the cardiac faculties.”
Self-check
Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.
Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.
Rated minor: it would not touch a result — a value no result rests on, a p-value that stays on the same side of the significance level, or a conflict that is clerical, resolved elsewhere in the paper, or outside its own findings.
In the paper
§ A Desirable Theory > 5. Translating xīn 心 -some thoughts on two cases
“Thus, in citation 12, dealing with the stimulation of certain feelings, we can now exchange the rather graceless translation "'heart' for sorrow" by "sense of sorrow".”
§ A Desirable Theory > 5. Translating xīn 心 -some thoughts on two cases
“12 君君, 臣臣, 父父, 子子.”
Rated minor: it would not touch a result — a value no result rests on, a p-value that stays on the same side of the significance level, or a conflict that is clerical, resolved elsewhere in the paper, or outside its own findings.
In the paper
§ A Desirable Theory > 3. The workings of desires or dislikes
“(g) suǒ wù yǒu shèn yú sǐ zhě 所惡有甚於死者 "among things one hates there are such that are less [to be hated] than dying".”
§ A Desirable Theory > 3. The workings of desires or dislikes
“In other words, there are things that human beings want more than life and also things that they hate more than death.”
Rated minor: it would not touch a result — a value no result rests on, a p-value that stays on the same side of the significance level, or a conflict that is clerical, resolved elsewhere in the paper, or outside its own findings.
In the paper
§ A Desirable Theory > 3. The workings of desires or dislikes
“This can be inferred from the famous situation construed by Squire Mèng where a person would certainly manifest a "heart" that is not unfeeling towards others should he suddenly see a young child about to fall into a well (Mèng 2A.06; cf.citation 33).”
§ A Desirable Theory > 8. Human nature? A matter of keeping or setting hearts right
“32 孟子曰:「所以謂人皆有不忍人之心者, 今人乍見孺子將入於井”
Rated minor: it would not touch a result — a value no result rests on, a p-value that stays on the same side of the significance level, or a conflict that is clerical, resolved elsewhere in the paper, or outside its own findings.
In the paper
§ A Desirable Theory > 8. Human nature? A matter of keeping or setting hearts right
“Cf. also the expression ěrmùzhī yù 耳目之欲 in citation 36 below.”
§ A Desirable Theory > 8. Human nature? A matter of keeping or setting hearts right
“36 宋人有閔其苗之不長而揠之者.”
Citations
Cites
Xunzi: A Translation and Study of the Complete Works.
Peterson, W. J., & Knoblock, J. H. (1990) · The American Historical Review · doi:10.2307/2162850 · Cited by 577
Mencius and Early Chinese Thought
Shun, K. (1997) · Stanford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1515/9781503616264 · Cited by 305
Knoblock, J. H. (1988) · Stanford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1515/9781503623057 · Cited by 274
On the Epistemology of the Senses in Early Chinese Thought
Geaney, J. (2002) · doi:10.1515/9780824851279 · Cited by 140
Basic writings of Mo Tzu, Hsün Tzu, and Han Fei Tzu
Watson, B. (1968) · doi:10.2307/40122546 · Cited by 59
Choosing Balance: Weighing (quan) as a Metaphor for Action in Early Chinese Texts
Vankeerberghen, G. (2005) · Early China · doi:10.1017/s0362502800002182 · Cited by 31
Gassmann, R. H. (2011) · De Gruyter eBooks · doi:10.1515/9783110252897 · Cited by 29
Self-citationUnderstanding Ancient Chinese Society: Approaches to Rén 人 and Mín 民
Gassmann, R. H. (2000) · Journal of the American Oriental Society · doi:10.2307/606007 · Cited by 12
Self-citation(2017) · University of Hawaii Press eBooks · doi:10.1515/9780824863609 · Cited by 11
Verwandtschaft und Gesellschaft im alten China. Begriffe, Strukturen und Prozesse
Gassmann, R. H. (2006) · Zurich Open Repository and Archive (University of Zurich) · doi:10.5167/uzh-35546 · Cited by 8
Self-citation
Research works printed but not linked: 11
- Stoffel, 2011, Sprache und Wirklichkeit
- Hermann, 2007, Zurück zur Freude. Studien zur chinesischen Literatur und Lebenswelt und ihrer Rezeption in Ost und West. Festschrift für Wolfgang Kubin, 411
- Eco, 1979, Lector in fabula. La cooperazione interpretativa nei testi narrative
- Gassmann, 2011, Form und Gehalt in Texten der griechischen und chinesischen Philosophie
- Knoblock, 2000, The Annals of Lü Buwei
- Lee, 2005, Xunzi and Early Chinese Naturalism
- On the Epistemology of the Senses in Early Chinese Thought
- Dubs, 1928, The Works of Hsuntze
- Chen, 2002, Mencius. Contexts and Interpretations, 17, 10.1515/9780824863609 · DOI
- Allinson, 1989, Understanding the Chinese Mind
- 2005, Asiatische Studien, 233
Cited by
Sorted by citations
A Bibliography on “Chinese Philosophy” in Europe, 2007-2013
Weber, R. (2015) · Journal of Chinese Philosophy · doi:10.1111/1540-6253.12198 · Cited by 1
Metadata
- Authors
- Gassmann, R. H.
- Affiliations
- University of Zurich (CH)
- Corresponding author
- Gassmann, Robert H.
- Venue
- Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies
- Publisher
- Cambridge University Press (CUP)
- Published
- 2011-06
- Volume
- 74
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 237-273
- ISSN
- 0041-977X (ISSN-L)
- 1474-0699
- OpenAlex
- W2315591628
- Cited by
- 1
- References
- 11
- Citations by year
- 2015: 1
- FWCI
- 0.00
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- bronze
- doi.org
- Locations
- Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies (publishedVersion)
- Zurich Open Repository and Archive (University of Zurich) (acceptedVersion, other-oa)
- reroDoc Digital Library (submittedVersion)
- Zurich Open Repository and Archive (University of Zurich) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
- Zurich Open Repository and Archive (University of Zurich)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › History › Chinese history and philosophy
- Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › History › History of Emotions Research
- Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Philosophy › Philosophy and Historical Thought
- Keywords
- human nature, xing (human nature), early Chinese philosophy, behavioral patterns, good and evil, Chinese anthropology, cognitive image
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
A language model drew the claims from the paper on 2026-10-04, under version 3 of the claim definition (model deepseek-v4.1-flash, prompt extract-v3).
A second model labelled each claim on 2026-10-04 (model jev-1.13-20260917, definition revision gold-guideline-v0.2).
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
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How to cite
Cite CoChat for the checks on this page, and the paper for its own findings.
- This page
- CoChat. (2026). Citation check: Hearts, desires and behavioural patterns: Debating human nature in ancient China. https://app.cochat.ai/papers/10.1017/s0041977x11000048
- The paper
- Gassmann, R. H. (2011). Hearts, desires and behavioural patterns: Debating human nature in ancient China. Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0041977x11000048
