孔子对君子与小人的界定——从《论语》“未有小人而仁者也”的解读说起

本文从《论语》"君子之不仁者有矣夫,未有小人而仁者也"一语之解读难点出发,探讨孔子口中"君子"、"小人"两词的真正意涵。首先论证小人并无道德丑恶的含义,所指仅为胸无大志,目光短浅,关心实际利益的小人物。至于君子,则传统上所谓从位言,从德言的两分法并不允当;孔子所称之君子皆位、德、才三者合言,此为其正名论思想的必然延伸。正名论既要求有其名位者有其实质,自然亦要求作为管治者的君子有管治的才德,即由"君君臣臣父父子子"而"君子君子"。君子、小人的意涵一经厘清,则该话之解读再无窒碍。

The Definition of Junzi and Xiaoren by Confucius:A Discussion of A Sentence in the Analects

Starting from the saying there may be cases that Junzi are not benevolent,but there would not be cases that Xiaoren are benevolentwhich has long puzzled critics of the Analects,this article embarks on revealing the true meanings of the terms Junzi and Xiaoren.It is first demonstrated that Xiaoren,contrary to common understanding,does not point at those morally decadent;it only refers to those ordinary folks who are short-sighted with only material concerns.As for Junzi,the traditional two-way distinction of...