Social Sciences in China (Chinese Edition)

No.6, 2013

Intellectual Intuition and Moral Phenomenon: Mou Zongsan’s Moral Ontology and Its Contributions to Western Philosophy

(Abstract)

Yang Zebo

Terming the ontology of moral mind creation as a “thing-in-itself with value implication” originates from Mou Zongsan’s unique interpretation of Kant’s concept of intellectual intuition, and is the most recognized symbol of his ontology. But the ontology of moral mind creation, though not necessarily with the form and category of the cognitive mind, does have to do with the cognitive mind. Therefore, it still falls within the category of phenomena, rather than that of thing-in-itself. Since the moral mind involves goodness, such particularist phenomenon can be termed as “moral phenomenon.” The ontology of the moral mind can be found in the same way as the signifier constructs the signified in phenomenology; moreover, it also breaks the latter’s claim that non-objective behavior must necessarily be founded on objective behavior. This understanding may help clarify the confusion in Mou’s thought, highlight the distinctiveness of Chinese philosophy and make up for the shortages of Western philosophy.