论周公的“以德配天”思想

Lord Zhou's Idea of "Matching Heaven with Virtue"

周灭商后,西周王朝继承商朝达到顶峰的神权法思想并加以改造。为解决西周政权存在的合法性问题,以周公为主的西周统治者提出了"以德配天"思想。"以德配天"引入了"德"的思想,尽管仍注重天意,但其着眼点已不在天命,而在人事了。以周公为主的周统治者已经认识到自己的统治并非依赖天帝的恩赐,而是要依靠个人的德行和努力,必须既"敬天",又"保民"。这两个方面又以"保民"为基础。这一思想,对后世产生了深远的影响。

After Zhou conquered Shang, West Zhou Dynasty inherited Shang＇ s most advanced ideology of thearchy and improved it. To solve the issue of legitimacy of west Zhou regime, West Zhou rulers, represented by Lord Zhou, proposed the concept of ＂match heaven with virtue＂. This idea brought in the idea of virtue. Although this idea emphasized heavenly will just the same, it focused on human affairs instead of divine authority. West Zhou rulers, represented by Lord Zhou, realized that their sovereignty depended on individuals＇ virtue and efforts instead of the Gods＇ will, and they must respect the divinity and look after people, the latter being the foundation of ruling. This idea remained great influence on later ages.