儒学德治思想及其现代价值

On Confucianism and the Idea of "Ruling a Country by Virtues" and its Modern Value

中国古代历史上的德治源于儒家学说。儒学由孔子创建,经孟子、荀子等人的丰富发展,在先秦就已经形成以仁为核心的比较完善的德治思想体系。儒学自汉武帝采纳以后,德治教化成为治国之道,历二千多年始终占主导地位。儒学德治思想对维护和巩固封建统治秩序,对推动当时的社会发展起到积极作用,对中华民族的统一和绵延不息以及民族精神的形成起到巨大的作用。但儒学成为官方哲学后,到封建社会后期逐渐衍变为维护封建宗法等级制度的工具,某些方面产生了异变和僵化,至清末逐渐走向衰颓。依法治国是社会文明进步的标志,但也需要德治,法治和德治相辅相成,缺一不可。时代呼唤道德重建,儒学德治思想经批判继承后具有现代价值。

The idea of ＂ Ruling a country by virtues＂ , originated from Confucianism which was created by Kong Zi and developed by Meng Zi and Xun Zi, was formed based on the core of humanity in pre - Qin period. It had become the dominant idea of ruling a country since Emperor Han Wu and lasted for over 2000 years. Confucianism and the idea of ＂ruling a country by virtues＂ takes an important part on developing the feudalism and Chinese national spirit. However, when Confucianism had become the bureaucratic philosophy in late stage of feudal society, its nature changed and it became the tool to maintain the feudal hierarchy and went to recession in the late Qing dynasty. Though the idea of ＂ruling a country by law＂ is a sign of evolution of social civilization, it is complementary to it in modem society. Confucianism and the idea of ＂ruling a country by virtues＂ will show the modem value after critical inheritance.