also: しょうぜん
noun
intrinsic goodness; innate goodness
Refers to the philosophical idea that human nature is fundamentally good, often contrasted with 性悪 (せいあく, innate evil). The reading しょうぜん is specifically used in Buddhist contexts.
孟子は性善説を唱えた。
Mencius advocated the theory of innate goodness.
性善と性悪の議論は古くからある。
The debate between innate goodness and innate evil has existed since ancient times.
The opposite concept: the belief that human nature is fundamentally evil. Often discussed together with 性善 in philosophical contexts.
From Chinese 性善 (xìngshàn), composed of 性 (nature, character) and 善 (good). The reading しょうぜん is the older go-on reading preserved in Buddhist usage.