论西方大学章程的制度变迁功能——基于宏大历史叙事的分析

Institutional Vicissitude Function of Western University Statutes: Analysis Based on Grand Historical Narration

大学章程是表达大学本质的一种大学制度现象,制定和实施新的大学章程,实质上是一场大学制度的变迁过程。基于宏大历史叙事的视角,审视西方大学章程的制度变迁功能,溯源大学章程从中世纪到近现代的历史演变历程,可以把其分为学者组织法人制度的确立、校长权力(自治)制度的演变和大学委员会制度三个变革维度,这三者相互交叉融合,又各有侧重。中世纪早期的大学,学者组织法人制度具有习俗、契约、自洽的功能;中世纪晚期和近代早期的大学,大学校长权力(自治)制度起着法治、约束、强化的作用;现代大学委员会制度则带来了创新、适应和发展。

University statutes are institutional phenomena embodying the essence of university. Making and implementing new university statutes is essentially a vicissitude of university system. From the perspective of grand historical narrative, the institutional vicissitude function of western university statutes is examined. From the Middle Ages to modern times, western university statutes have experienced the vicissitudes from the establishment of scholars’ legal person system, to the president-governance system, and to the university board system. The three systems are intersected and integrated, each with its own emphasis. In the early Middle Ages, scholars’ legal person system plays the role of convention, contract, and self-sufficiency. In the late Middle Ages and early modern times, the president-governance system plays the role of rule of law, restraint, and reinforcement. And the modern university board system brings forward innovation, adaptation and development.