我国科举考试制度演进的路径依赖及其超越

The Path Dependence and Transcendence of the Evolution of Imperial Examination System in China

路径依赖理论在制度变迁当中得到了广泛的应用,科举考试制度的变迁历程属于典型的路径依赖。科举考试制度的路径依赖机制中,既有促进阶层流动、平等考试竞争、考试科学化、刺激学校发展等积极影响,也有阻碍个人全面发展、功利主义蔓延、考试舞弊难以根绝、抑制学校教育等消极影响。具体分析科举考试制度路径依赖的形成,不难发现其机制的形成受到了考试文化惯习的濡染、强制性制度变迁的羁绊、制度成本的高昂等诸多因素的影响。为此,需要构筑超越路径,从而对当下高考制度的良性、有序发展提供借鉴。

Path dependence theory has been widely used in the institutional change,and the evolution of imperial examination system is a typical path dependence. In the path-dependent mechanism of imperial examination system,there are not only positive effects such as promoting class mobility,equal examination competition,scientific examination,stimulating school development,but also negative effects such as hindering the overall development of individuals,spreading utilitarianism,difficult to eradicate examination fraud and restraining school education. By analyzing the formation of path dependence of imperial examination system,it is easy to find that the formation of its mechanism is influenced by many factors,such as the habitués of examination culture,the fetters of mandatory institutional changes,and the high cost of the system. Therefore,we need to build a transcendental path and point out the way forward for the healthy and orderly development of the college entrance examination system.