Xunzi Contra Mozi

Abstract

Mozi 墨子 is repeatedly named by Xunzi as an important opponent. In fact, aspects of Xunzi’s own thinking appear to be shaped by a felt need to respond to Mozi’s ideas. This chapter examines Xunzi’s arguments in response to the latter’s critique of Confucian ritual and music, and beyond that, the Mohist doctrine of frugality. Xunzi argues that Mohist frugality is founded on a mistaken belief about the natural world. He further argues that Mohist frugality is counterproductive with respect to the Mohists’ own goal to promote order in the world. In contrast, Confucian proposals are more effective in securing the same goal. As the paper will show, Xunzi’s discussion of Mozi is marked both by opposition to the latter and also many crucial points of concurrence.