作为“典范”的“规矩”——理解《孟子》的一个关键隐喻

A Reexamination of Guiju as Model:A Key Metaphor in Mengzi

“规矩”一词是我们进入《孟子》、理解孟子哲学的一个关键隐喻。通过波兰尼对“规则”与“典范”的分疏,可知在孟子以“规矩”类比“圣人”的相关论说中,“规矩”并非意指客观抽象的法条规则,而是作为“典范”而出场。就其客观品格而言,“规矩”在《孟子》的思想脉络中表现出教高于政、以卓越为指归、模糊性等三个特征。从而“规矩”不再是必须遵守的法则法条,而在于提供一个道德技艺实践的具体典范。而就其实践行动的旨趣而言,作为“典范”的“规矩”则在“圣人之风”与“意志之兴”中指引了德性生命生长的方向。

The term guiju is a key metaphor in the philosophy of Mengzi that calls for further investigation.Relying on Michael Polanyi's distinction between“rule”and“example,”we can know that in Mengzi's bringing together“the Sage”and“guiju”,the term does not refer to abstract rules of law,but should be understood as a philosophically ideal model with exemplary personality features and social manners.In terms of its objective characteristics as used in the Mengzi,the term guiju consistently demonstrates the notion that“teaching is superior to politics”,that excellence serves as a concrete reference for it,and also that ambiguity too has its own high value.Thus,in addition to rules of law which must be followed,the Mengzi uses the term guiju to refer to a specific model for practicing moral skills.This paper examines the practical purposes of the application of guiju as a model that guides the direction of one's moral life development with attention to phrases such as“the wind of the Sage”and“the prosperity of will”.