Abstract

The aim of the inquiry is to reinterpret Mencius' theory of virtue and moral decision into a form which is more defensible and more promising for future development than previous interpretations. In the course of analysis of Mencius' key concepts and remarks, this inquiry suggests that Mencius' ethical theory as a whole can be labelled "two-level utilitarian virtue ethics". On the basis of this reconstruction, the inquiry clarifies several fundamental issues concerning Mencius' moral thinking, such as Mencius' theory of human nature and his criticism of main opponents, Mo-zi and Yang-zhu, etc. ;The method of shu or the Golden Rule is, properly understood, practically equivalent with a utilitarian method of moral decision which can entail both act- and rule-utilitarianism. Applying the act-utilitarian method of moral decision in every situation we encounter does not maximize total preference-utilities, owing to several human handicaps. The most effective way to maximize total preference-utilities in normal situations is to follow conventional rules of li which are selected on a rule-utilitarian ground. However, the act-utilitarian method of moral decision is needed to resolve moral conflicts where any solution device is not found in established conventional rules of li. The method of shu is a sophisticated combination of act-utilitarianism and rule-utilitarianism. ;The stage of moral decision in accordance with the method of shu is the reflective level of thinking. The stage of intuitive moral decision in normal situations in accordance with well established conventional rules of li is the conventional level of thinking. ;According to Mencius, everyone has Heavenly given primitive capacities to do two-level utilitarian moral thinking spontaneously. When these moral capacities are cultivated well, one becomes a virtuous person. Mencius' concept of human nature just indicates the developmental process of primitive moral capacities to full grown virtues. ;Mencius' two-level utilitarian virtue ethics shows the fundamental deficiencies of his opponents. Mo-zi's one-level utilitarianism and narrow conception of utility needs to adopt Mencius' moral thinking. Yang-zhu needs to give up his egoistic doctrine on the ground that it fails to meet the requirement of the Golden Rule