On the Bioethical Thought of the Yangming School in Ming Dynasty China

作者：Zheng Zang · 发表于：Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scientific Electronic Library Online) · 年份：2026 · 研究领域：Ethics in medical practice、Biomedical Ethics and Regulation、Bioethics and Human Rights Issues

Abstract: The bioethical thought of the Yangming School is a crystallization of ideas responding to the crisis of life alienation in the Ming Dynasty. With “Liangzhi (innate moral consciousness)” as the noumenon, “Zhi Liangzhi (extending innate moral consciousness)” as the practice, and “Wan Wu Yi Ti Zhi Ren (the benevolence of all things as one)” as the realm, it constructs a complete system integrating individual awakening, moral practice, and social ideals. Its core connotations are reflected in three aspects: Firstly, Liangzhi (innate moral consciousness), as the homologous noumenon of the universe and individuals, endows life with intrinsic value and equality, embodying dual connotations of rational principles and moral emotions. Secondly, “Zhi Liangzhi (extending innate moral consciousness)” guides life to return to its true nature from the obscuration of selfish desires through specific paths such as establishing aspirations, contemplating in tranquility, self-examination and overcoming desires, and tempering oneself in matters, combined with the principle of “Zhi Xing He Yi (the unity of knowledge and action)”. Thirdly, “Wan Wu Yi Ti Zhi Ren (the benevolence of all things as one)” breaks the subject-object opposition, expands ethical care from individuals to all things, and points to the social ideal of “the world is like one family”. This thought upholds the subjectivity of life, establishes the equality of life, and advocates a practice-oriented approach, but it als...