also: しょうぜん
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.
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.
belief in the innate goodness of human nature
Standard kanji form for the general philosophical concept of intrinsic goodness.
Buddhist reading; mainly encountered in Buddhist 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.