为政以德:儒家政治道德的基本原则和主要标志

Rule by Moral Force:Basic Principle and Primary Sign of Confucian Political Morality

"为政以德"是孔子所提出的关于治理国政的基本方针,是儒家政治道德的基本原则,也是其政治伦理思想的鲜明标志。孔子及其儒家认为,"为政以德"是对为政者起码的道德要求,在处理政务、治理国家方面,为政者必须遵从一定的道德准则,并重视道德对人们行为的规范作用。从"为政以德"的基本原则出发,儒家倡导德治、仁政,反对暴政、苛政。在德治与刑罚的关系问题上,儒家主张德主刑辅,认为在治理国政中道德与刑罚虽然都是不可缺少的,但德治是根本,刑罚只能是"辅治之法"。儒家在政治上不但倡导"德政",而且还主张"以德导民",要求为政者注意社会道德教化,并把道德教化视为治国之本。正确把握孔子及其儒家为政以德的思想,对于全面理解孔子及其儒家的政治思想、道德理论以及整个思想体系都有着至关重要的意义。

＂Rule by moral force＂ was put forward by Confucius as fundamental policy for administering a country. Later on it became Confucian basic principle of political morality and clear - cut sign of political ethics. The Confucianists hold that ＂rule by moral force＂ is the minimum moral requirement directed against the ruler. While handling political affairs and running a state, the ruler must follow some moral codes, he also attaches great importance to standard effect of morality for people＇ s behavior. Proceeding from the principle of ＂rule by moral force＂, the Confucianists promote ＂rule of virtue＂ and ＂policy of benevolence＂ and oppose tyranny and harsh government. Concerning the relation between＂rule of virtue＂ and punishment, the Confueianists maintain that ＂rule of virtue＂ is dominant and punishment is supplementary. The Confucianists not only advocate ＂benevolent rule＂ but also propose guiding the people with morality and regarding moral education as the foundation of the rule. Accurately grasping the Confucian thought of ＂rule by moral force＂ is of great importance to understanding Confucian political thought, moral theory and even the whole thinking system.