相較於《論語》語句的簡練及文字義涵的高度約化，《孟子》最大的特點，在其各章敘事脈絡完整，故反而可見其全部推論之過程。其推論的嚴謹細密及對道理的透徹明白，更至對道理在現實具體落實中各種細微差異的變化、與其中對世俗誤解的深入辨析，成就了《孟子》言辯的特性，唯其辯在道，在對事理更趨複雜細入的釐清。之所以形成這種差異，應與孟子所面對的時代較孔子更形敗壞、正道更為世俗價值所誤解扭曲的緣故。
閱讀《孟子》時最為精彩之處，便在深刻體會各篇章推論之精密與思理的明通深邃。更重要的，孟子對於道理的論述，不論針對何種問題，本都是切實落實於現實中具體真實的回答、非概念抽象。這種情況，即便是在心性問題的討論上，也始終保持一貫。
本課程欲引導同學深入閱讀《孟子》章句，一方面細細體會孟子在道理論述及推論上的精細，這種面對現實世界中人種種想法作為上錯誤的釐清，正可使閱讀者對自我生命有同步之反省；另一方面，本課程亦針對孟子思想中關鍵的主題──心性問題──進行章句推論脈絡閱讀與分析。使同學深刻了解孟子論道特質、及其思想建構在儒學中的價值地位。

Compared with the simplicity of sentences and the highly simplified meaning of words in "The Analects", the greatest feature of "Mencius" is that the narrative context of each chapter is complete, so the entire process of inference can be seen. The rigorous and detailed reasoning and thorough understanding of the principles, as well as the changes in various subtle differences in the actual implementation of the principles, and the in-depth analysis of secular misunderstandings, have achieved the characteristics of "Mencius" argumentation. The reason for this difference should be that the era that Mencius faced was more corrupt than Confucius, and the righteous path was more misunderstood and distorted by secular values.
The most exciting thing about reading "Mencius" is to deeply appreciate the precision of the inferences in each chapter and the clear and profound thinking. More importantly, Mencius's discussion of principles, no matter what kind of problem it is aimed at, is a concrete and real answer that is actually implemented in reality, and is not a conceptual abstraction. This situation remains consistent even in discussions of the nature of mind.
This course aims to guide students to deeply read the chapters and sentences of "Mencius". On the one hand, they can appreciate Mencius's detailed descriptions of Tao theory and inferences. This kind of clarification of mistakes in people's various thoughts and actions in the real world can enable readers to reflect on their own lives. On the other hand, this course also focuses on the key theme in Mencius' thought - the problem of mind - to read and analyze the context of the inferences in the chapters and sentences. This will enable students to have a deep understanding of the characteristics of Mencius's theory of Taoism and the value position of his ideological construction in Confucianism.

趙岐：《孟子注疏》
朱熹：《孟子集注》
焦循：《孟子正義》上下
楊伯峻：《孟子譯注》
譚家哲：《孟子平解》
蔡仁厚：《孔孟荀哲學》
蔡仁厚：《中國哲學史》上冊
牟宗三：《心體與性體》一至三冊

Zhao Qi: "Comments on Mencius"
Zhu Xi: "Collected Commentary on Mencius"
Jiao Xun: "Mencius' Justice" Part 1 and Part 2
Yang Bojun: "Translation and Annotation of Mencius"
Tan Jiazhe: "Mencius Ping's Interpretation"
Cai Renhou: "The Philosophy of Confucius, Mencius and Xun"
Cai Renhou: "History of Chinese Philosophy" Volume 1
Mou Zongsan: "Mind Body and Nature Body" Volumes 1 to 3