Abstract
This study takes the ＂Diagram of Righteousness and Selfishness＂ (＂Diagram＂) and ＂An Explanation of the Diagram of Righteousness and Selfishness＂ by the Ming Dynasty Neo-Confucian scholar Feng Congwu (pseudonym Shaoxu, 1557-1627) as an example, to discuss how in the past scholars used diagrams as a method to show their analysis of the tendency of human will to be righteous or to be selfish. First, this paper explains how the drawing of the Diagram was made according to the content of the Analects and the Mencius. Second, a comparison is made between the Diagram and other similar diagrams including the ＂Diagram of Shun and Zhi＂ by Fan Jun (pseudonym Xiangxi, 1102-1150) and the diagram made by Xu Qian (pseudonym Baiyun, 1270-1337) and Cheng Fuxin (pseudonym Linyin, 1257-1340) to demonstrate the meaning of the ＂a sage is not mine to see＂ paragraph of ＂Shu Er＂ in the Analects. Third, this paper references debates and criticisms among scholars such as Wang Jianchang (pseudonym Fuzhai, 1615-1701), Wang Hongzhuan (pseudonym Shanshi, 1622-1702), etc. to reflect on the deficiencies found within the Diagram. Furthermore, it compares the Diagram with the ＂Diagram of Sincerity Thoughts＂ in volume 59 of the Collected Writings of Zhuzi, to contemplate the philosophical foundation of the making of diagrams. The paper then makes a comparison of these three diagrams, and explains that the differences are due to varying perspectives in regard to observation and discussion methods, as well as different ways of comprehending ideas related with ＂righteousness＂ and ＂selfishness.＂ Finally, the author aims to explore the expressive characteristics of ＂diagram and text interpreting each other,＂ as illustrated by above diagrams and related texts, and to provide clear evidence for the academic trend of ＂using diagrams to discuss principle＂ in the Song-Ming Neo-Confucian tradition, with the hope to lead to further research in this area.