国学中的“革命”论及其当代反思

The "Revolution" Theories in Ancient Chinese Civilization and Its Contemporary Reflections

"革命"一词,源出《尚书》和《易传》,与汤、武革命紧密相连。它有三个特点:一是臣民推翻君主;二是诉诸暴力手段;三是"诛无道",为民请命。"革命"作为维护"民本"、捍卫"民权"的一种手段,对君主专制下暴君暴政构成了一种威慑,具有积极、进步的法理意义。不过后来历朝历代的某些"革命",都走向了反面,这却是值得引以为戒的惨痛教训。衡量"革命"正义与否、合法与否的试金石是看其对人民是否有益。有益,这种"革命"就是值得赞赏肯定的;无益而有害,那么,这种"革命"就是值得警惕防范的"假革命"。

The Chinese word ＂geming＂ （revolution） can be traced back to the accounts of Tang and Wu revolutions in two ancient Chinese books, Shangshu and Yizhuan. The word is meaningful in three as-pects： the first, it is the overthrowing of a tyrant by his subjects; the second, it is the use of violent means; the third it is to seek justice for people. As a way of defending human rights, revolution is of posi-tive meaning in constituting deterrence to tyrants or tyrannies in a monarchy system. However, some of the revolutions in later dynasties have gone to the contrary, and it should arouse people to take warnings and painful lessons. The touchstone of judging the righteousness and legitimacy of revolutions is whether they will benefit the people. If beneficial, then the revolution is worthy of praise; if not or even harmful, then precautions have to be taken against the false revolution.