儒家性本思想注释下的刑罚价值解读

An Interpretation of the Value of Punishment in Light of Confucian Emphasis on Human Nature

儒家学说的体系建构以人性为基础,故而其对刑罚的价值定位,难免会涉及人性的考察。在儒家思想漫长的历史沿革中,德主刑辅的治世模式始终是其不懈的追求,其间所蕴含的人性期待,不断渗透到社会观念中去,形成了刑罚的道德方向。但是,儒家学说对于人性本源的定位是随着其历史适应的变化而不断修正的,这就导致了同归之下必然出现殊途。考虑到儒家思想在法制史上所具有的特殊地位,对其刑罚观念进行分析,不仅有助于了解中国法治传统下的刑罚侧重,而且可以明确当代刑罚改革的社会基础,为宽容法治的推进指明前景。

The theoretical establishment of Confucianism is based on human nature, and its evaluation of the signifi- cance of punishment cannot avoid its examination of human naRn＇e. In the long history of Confucianism＇ s evolution, it never ceased its search for a model to govern the world, a model that prioritized virtue and relegated punishment. The in- herent expectations for human nature gradually permeated through the many social conceptions, forming a moral orienta- tion for punishment. However, Confucianist positioning of the origin of human nature evolves along with the develop- ment of society. The many changes it underwent make Confucian theories about human nature, though sharing the same root, evolve into different versions. Because of the unique significance of Confucianism in the legal history of China, a close examination of Confucianist evaluation of punishment will not only help us to understand the significance of pun- ishment in China＇ s legal tradition, but also enable us to better understand the social foundation of the revolution of cur- rent punishment, and see the bright prospect tolerant legal governance.