帛书《二三子问》“夫子”与“天子”问题辨析

Investigation into the Problem of " Fuzi" and " Tianzi" in Er-san-zi-wen Copied on Silk Unearthed

帛书《二三子问》首章之"夫子",或疑为"天子"之误,或以为不误。其中,"天子"为帝王专属性称谓,以发号施令为主,"夫子"的适用对象为臣工,以卑下驯顺为主,彼此内涵与指涉范围的区别是显而易见的。而此节之核心要义,在于揭示龙德驯顺不挠、承命施行的特点。因此,从一致性的角度讲,作"夫子"应该是更为合理的。

there are different opinions about the word"Fuzi"(master)in Er-san-zi-wen copied on silk unearthed,somebody suspecting that it's the forth of"Tianzi"(the son of heaven),and the others thinking it's right.Among them,the"Tianzi"namely means emperor who has the right to issue orders,while the"Fuzi"means courtiers whor is"humble and tame".Obviously,they have differences between the meanings and the scope of references.And the substance of this section is revealed that the dragon's morality possesses the character of"humble and tame".Therefore,according to the principle of congruity,the"Fuzi"is more reasonable.