孟子义利之辨新论

A New Essay on Mencius' Debate over Justice and Benefit

该文从君、士、民不同对象入手,重新分析了孟子义利观的思想内容,揭示了其丰富性和复杂性。该文认为,孟子义利观不能简单地用重义轻利、先义后利、见利思义等来概括。对于君、士、民不同对象而言,它有着明显不同的思想内涵。“王何必曰利?亦有仁义而已矣”,对于“君”而言,孟子希冀君主言“义”而不言“利”,以百姓之利为利,强调君主要奉行王道仁政,重视对民之“利”的满足;“无恒产而有恒心者,惟士为能”,对于“士”而言,孟子认为士人应该有较高的价值自觉和修养,强调“君子所性,仁义礼智根于心”“由仁义行”,主张士君子应该为“义”而义,不能为“利”而义;“若民,则无恒产,因无恒心”,对于“民”而言,孟子特别重视其对物质利益的正当要求,主张要制民之产,要养民、富民、教民。

Starting from the different objects of the monarch,scholar,and people,this article reanalyzes the ideological content of Mencius'concept of righteousness and benefit,revealing its richness and complexity.The article believes that Mencius'concept of righteousness and profit cannot be simply summarized by emphasizing righteousness over profit,prioritizing righteousness before profit,and considering righteousness based on profit.For different objects of monarch,scholar,and people,it has distinct ideological connotations.Why should a king speak of profit?There is only benevolence and righteousness.For a ruler,Mencius hoped that the monarch would speak of"righteousness"instead of"profit",and that the interests of the people would be the main focus.He emphasized that the monarch should mainly pursue the benevolent government of the king and value the satisfaction of the"benefit"of the people.For"scholars",Mencius believed that they should have a high level of value consciousness and cultivation requirements.He emphasized that"the nature of a gentleman,benevolence,righteousness,propriety,and wisdom are rooted in the heart",and they should be guided by benevolence and righteousness.If the people,there is no permanent property,because there is no perseverance.For the people,Mencius attached great importance to their legitimate demands for material interests,advocating to control their property,support,enrich,and educate them.