梁启超“开明专制论”述评

A Commentary on Liang Qichao's Argumentation for “Enlightened Autocracy”

“开明专制论”是梁启超渐进改良思想的重要组成部分。所谓“开明专制” ,就是国家实行高度集权的政治体制 ,为最终确立资产阶级民主政治创造必要的条件。梁启超对中国政治民主化进程艰巨复杂性的认识 ,是清醒而深刻的。然而 ,“开明专制论”又有浓厚的空想性和保守性。“开明专制论”虽未能给当时的中国指出一条正确的道路 ,但在思想理论上仍有值得后人深思之处。

Argumentation for Enlightened and Autocracy” is one of the important component parts of Liang Qichaos thesis of gradual reform. By “Enlightened Autocracy”, Liang suggests that the state adopt a highly centralized political system in order to create indispensable conditions for the capitalist democratic politics. Ling has a sober and profound understanding of the complexity and difficulties in democratizing Chinese politics. At the same time,“ Argumentation for Enlightened Autocracy”, has a Utopian and conservative nature. Nonetheless, Liangs argumentation is enlightening to later generations although it fails to point out a correct way for the then China.