《淮南子》论“李斯”二题

Comment on Li Si in Huai Nan Zi

《淮南子》对秦相李斯的政治实践深为批评,认为其促成秦王朝的历史性覆灭,罪责难逃。在《淮南子》中,虽然仅在《人间》与《修务》中两次提及"李斯",但却以儒家为主,兼融黄老、墨家,体现出多元化的思想意蕴。《淮南子》着重从儒家"德治"与"尚贤"思想出发,对李斯进行政治反思和批评,揭示其内在的历史局限。黄老与墨家,对《淮南子》的李斯之论也有所影响,但逊色于儒家。《淮南子》论及"李斯"时,提出"阴德"、"治乱"之说,这在秦汉时期的"李斯"论中新颖独到、别具深意。

Huai Nan Zi criticizes the political practice of Li Si,the minister in Qin Dynasty,that he is responsible for the fall of Qin Dynasty.Although Li Si is mentioned only twice in Ren Jian and Xiu Wu,it reflects the diverse connotations of Confucianism,as well as Taoism and Mohism.On the basis of moral governing and appointing the virtuous and able person,Huai Nan Zi makes political reflection and criticism on Li Si,revealing his inherent historical limitations.Comment on Li Si in Huai Nan Zi is influenced more by Taoism and Mohism than Confucianism.Its conceptions of 'following a virtuous path' and 'maintaining the stability of the state are novel and unique in the comment on Li Si in Qin and Han Dynasties..