論關係契約理論的困境

The Dilemma of Relational Contract Theory

近代以來的契約法依次經歷了以下三個理論階段：古典契約法理論、新古典契約法理論和現代契約法理論。關係契約理論是契約法社會化浪潮的理論成果，旨在解決關係性契約難題，是古典契約法“死亡”後有關市場交換之法理建構中最有前途的理論選擇。但由於關係契約理論承繼了法社會學研究方法的弱點，導致它不管是理論上還是實務上都存在諸多難以克服的困境，比如理論不周延、無法建構關係契約法、對司法審判價值不大等。西方先進契約法理論為中國契約法治的現代化提供了參考，也預設了限度和難度。

Contract law in turn has undergone three successive theoretical phases: classical contract law theory, neo-classical contract law theory and modern contract law theory. Aiming to solve relational contract problems, modern theory of contract law includes different kinds of new contract theories, and embodies contract theory’s latest development status and trends. Macneil’s relational contract theory is the most eye-catching one, and it is called “the most promising basis for the construction of the alternative jurisprudence of market transaction following the death of classical law of contract”. But there are many difficulties both in theory and practice that relational contract theory couldn’t overcome. The advanced western contract theory provides a nice reference for the modernization of China’s contract law, but also presupposes its limits and difficulties.