论八股文的不同品位——兼谈古代文化研究中的实事求是态度

On Features of Eight-Legged Essay:Realistic Style in Ancient Research and Study

实事求是看,明清八股文存在着“境界八股文”与“功名八股文”的对立。在明清文人的八股文理论中,区别八股文的不同品位成为一个很突出的主题。衡量八股文的首要标准应该看其作者是否文行一致———文的理论与行的实践的统一。明清两代一些有识之士是“境界八股文”的倡导者,也是八股文道德境界的实践者。承认八股文不同品位的客观存在,才能更清晰地认识八股文的有效职能,了解八股取士制度能延续近五百年的根本原因,进而回答中国封建社会何以存在如此长久的问题。

There were two types of Eight-legged Essay in Ming and Qing Dynasty:one for taste cultivation and the other for scholarly honor.The distinction between the two types was important in the studies of Ming′s and Qing′s scholars.The evaluation of Eight-Legged Essay involves the unification of content in the essay and practice in behavior.Some scholars in Ming and Qing Dynasty advocated Eight-Legged Essay and practiced the moral standards discussed in their essays.The recognition of different features of Eight-Legged Essay will enables people to realize its functions and thus know more about Chinese feudal society.