“三代改制质文”的政治哲学意蕴——董仲舒文质论的理论渊源与历史效应

Political and Philosophical Implications of “The Three Dynasties Changed Regulations from Outer Form to Inner Substance”——Theoretical Origins and Historical Effects of Dong Zhongshu’s Theory on Outer Form and Inner Substance

文质之辩是儒家政治哲学中心议题之一。孔子明确以"与文""尚质"之微妙方式探寻文质中和之道。董仲舒继承这一主题,并在政治哲学领域将之自觉展开,力倡"文德为贵""任德不任刑",为儒家文治、德政主张寻求天道观和经典论说的支持。在强调"质文两备"的前提下,更突出"先质后文""承周文而反之质"的时代文化精神走向和政治变革要领。董子更进一步提出"三代改制质文"说,指出文质更替或忠、敬、文演替是主导历代文化精神特别是政教原则变化的核心法则。董子文质论对理解儒家政治哲学和人类政治生活本质都有重要启示意义。

The debate on outer form and inner substance is one of the central issues of Confucian political philosophy. Confucius, seek the neutralization of outer form and inner substance delicately by approving of outer form and paying attention to inner substance. Dong Zhongshu inherited the theme and consciously developed it in the field of political philosophy, strongly advocated the ideas that ＂the outer form is valuable＂, ＂virtue is prior to penalty＂, seeking support in the theory of Tiandao and Confucian classics for the proposal of the Confucian school on government by civilians and benevolent rule. Meanwhile, he gave great premium on ＂inner substance before outer form＂ under the premise of having both outer form and inner substance, pointing out that it is the cultural spirit of the age and essentials of political change to ＂return to inner substance against ZhouWen （Civilization of Zhou Dynasty）＂. Dong Zhongshu further proposed the theory of＂the three dynasties changed regulations from outer form to inner substance＂, indicating that the replacement of out form and inner substance, or the replacement of loyalty, respect and inner substance was the core principles which dominated the cultural spirit of different generations, especially the change of politics and religion principles. Dong＇s theory had great significance to the understanding of Confucian political philosophy and human political essence.