The Status of Dong Zhongshu in Confucian Nature Theory

Objective The purpose of this study is to re-establish the flow of Confucian human nature theory by examining the status of Dong Zhongshu’s human nature theory in Confucian nature theory. Contents To accomplish this purpose, the theory of personality before and after Dong Zhongshu was analyzed at the level of abstract idealism about nature, and the theory of personality of Dong Zhongshu was investigated as a theoretical system and guideline that is very specific and can be put into practice in reality. First, the characteristics of the traditional theory of personality from Confucius, Tzu-Tzu, Mencius, Xunzi, and Zhu Xi were briefly established. Next, the characteristics of Dong Zhongshu’s theories of personality were discussed, and the status of the Dong Zhongshu’s theories of personality based on the history and content of Confucian personality theory was established. Conclusions Based on the results of the study are as follows. First, the existing Confucian theory of personality has been organized at the level of abstract idealism from Confucius to Zhu Xi. Second, Dong Zhongshu’s theory of the Holy Trinity synthesized the characteristics of primitive Confucianism and at the same time provided a starting point for opening up the character of Confucianism. Third, Dong Zhongshu’s theory of the Holy Trinity formed a middle ground with the Confucian theory of human nature and was embodied in Orthodoxy with specific reality.