透析孔子时代“君子”涵义之转向

On the Conversion of the Meaning of“Gentleman”in the Times of Confucius

"君子"一词在春秋以前的典籍中多指人的地位、身份或称谓。至孔子时代,尤其是《论语》中对"君子"大发其义,较之以前有很大的转向。这时的"君子"多指向人的道德伦理方面,是集道德修养、文化学习、能力地位于一身的理想人格的体现。这一转向背后有着深刻的历史背景,主要表现在:井田制、宗法制的逐渐瓦解;官学的衰落和私学的兴起促进了士阶层的发展壮大;人本主义的觉醒与人的道德精神的彰显。

＂Gentleman＂ referred to one＇s social status, identity and title in the books before the Spring-Autumn period. The meaning of ＂gentleman＂ had changed a lot when Confucius came into being, after being stated in The Analects of Confucius. At that time, it ethically gave expression of an ideal character fi＇om aspects of moral cultivation, culture learning and ability training. There exist many backdrops such as the gradual collapses of WeU Field System and Patriarchal Clan System, the formation of Bachelor Stratum due to the rise of offcial education and the fall of private education, the highlights of human spirit and value.