论唐代科举策试的匡时济俗功能

Tang's Imperial Examination on Current Politics: Its Function of Healing Society

唐代士人参加科举策试或私下模拟策试,都直言不讳地批评时弊,提出应对方案。其参政议政资格一经报名参加科举考试便自动获得。皇帝在开科诏令和策试题目中每每自谦德薄才寡,坦言施政失误,国家危难,恳请考生帮助自己。官方对于时政问题从来不规定标准答案,任随考生自主思考,自由表达。这种正视现实的勇气和征集、接受意见的诚恳态度,是唐代统治阶级自强、自信的一种体现。在这样的背景下,策试的匡时济俗功能才能发挥出来。然而由统治阶级自行举办的策试,尽管可以揭示某些表层化的社会现象,却无力解决社会的顽症。更兼政治派别斗争,策试的匡时济俗功能自然受到制约,并不能挽救唐王朝覆灭的命运。

When bachelors in Tang Dynasty took part in the imperial examination on current politics or the model examinations, they candidly criticized the ills of the time and put forward solutions. Their qualifications for participation in political affairs and discussion of government affairs were automatically obtained when they registered for the imperial examination. In the issued order to open up the imperial examination, the emperor would always humbly state that his majesty was not adequate enough in the morals or ability, talking frankly about his errors in administration and the state being in danger, therefore he asked the examinees to help him. Such an attitude to face the reality and to collect and accept different opinions reveals the strength and confidence of the Tang ruling class. Under such circumstances, the society-healing function of the imperial examination on current politics could be developed. However, it could not cure the ailment of society since the examination was held by the ruling class itself, nor could it change the fate of the Tang Dynasty.