关于《史记》“贬天子”问题的解读

On the Interpretation of Bian Tianzi(贬天子) in SHIJI

关于《史记》"贬天子"的问题,颇受到后人的争议,一方面《史记》"谤书"说直接根源于其"贬天子"之法,另一方面《史记》"贬天子"之法被人认为是背离《春秋》之义的。通过对前人研究成果的回顾及几条关键性史料的重视,我认为《史记》"贬天子"并没有背离《春秋》之义,而是明显存在着思想上的内在继承与演进,同时与《史记》"贬天子"直接相关的"谤书"说则又明显具有其内在的局限性。《史记》"贬天子"问题的产生,实际上是多具现实寓意的,一方面是与汉武帝时"亡秦之迹"的法家式的内外政策及其产生的相关问题息息相关,另一方面则又是与太史公儒家式的思维方式内在相连。在多重的现实因素的左右下,太史公通过"直书"的变式——"曲笔"的方式,以秦为鉴,暗针时弊,从而承《春秋》"讥天王"之义而至于"贬天子"之法,以规正汉武帝之失,进而达到"反王道之本",为后世立训的目的。

The ＂defaming emperor＂ problem of SHIJI is much debated. On the one hand, SHIJI is considered to be a ＂satirical work＂. On the other hand, ＂defaming emperor＂ is considered to conflict with the deep meaning of The Spring and Autumn Annals. The two sides both misunderstand ＂defaming emperor＂. In my opinion ＂defaming emperor＂ roots in the historical background especially during the rule of the Emperor Wudi of the Han Dynasty. Furthermove, it also inherits the deep meaning of The Spring and Autumn Annals. The purpose of ＂defaming emperor＂ in SHIJI is to rectify the real problems in the Emperor＇s rule, and to achieve the ideal of Confucianism.