英文摘要 |
Because Confucianism after the Han dynasty became characterized as sacred and quasi-religious, few have clearly pointed out the hidden power relations behind the working of Confucianism. This article investigates these hidden power relations and considers the process of how Confucianism contributed to the formation of the Han Empire’s imperialist ideology. Although Confucianism has strong idealist characteristics, it has a pragmatic side. Previous Confucians have tended to extract new thought and meaning pertinent to their historical moment by reinterpreting the Confucian classics. If one examines this self-adjustment of Confucianism by viewing it as apostasy, it is not easy to uncover its specific features. If one reads the literature and traces how the theories have changed, it is also impossible to touch upon the problems not mentioned in the text itself. Therefore it is important to uncover the meanings by reading in between the lines to discover the problems not directly stated in the literature or pointed out by the author. This paper focuses on how Han Confucianism developed into the core of imperialist ideology and examines several aspects of this process. In particular, it explores the hidden power relations behind the seemingly dignified Confucian theories. For example, it will examine the interdependence and interplay between Confucian ideas, imperial rule, and Confucianists’ interests. The key areas explored are: 1. The establishment of an imperial system and the featuring of Confucian values. How Shu Suntong and Lu Jia’s suggestions for governance, “Qichaoyi” (institutional rules for the court of emperors) and “Yishunshouzhi” (sustain reign by accommodating subjects), provided Confucians with many opportunities. 2. How “shi” (gentlemen) defined themselves and pursued group power before the rise of Confucianism. This section examines how the zaoshi class, shi class, and shijiao (The Confucian Principle of Cultivation through The Book of Poetry) was structured in Hanshi Waizhuan (The Outer Commentary to the Book of Songs by Master Han). 3. The pursuit of the proper order of ceremonies and rites and the establishment of imperialist ideology. Investigates Jia Yi and Dong Zhongshu’s accomplished missions. 4. Further discussion of imperialist ideology. Explores how imperial power interfered with right to interpret Confucianism in Baihutong (Treatise on the politico-philosophical discussions in the White Tiger Hall) thought. 5. System of rites reforms, study of Confucian classics and maintaining rule: investigates the implications of the rise and fall of Temple of Prefecture and Kingdom in Western Han Dynasty. The Confucian class gradually obtained more controlling power in political-society through their promotion of Confucianism as part of the imperialist ideology. Youshi (itinerant literati) became shidaifu (scholarly gentry), a class that ruled the country with the emperor, with the power to counterbalance imperial power. The Confucian class became a new cultural bourgeoisie. Although the Confucian ideal still existed, it became a force that the imperial court had to contend with, and its high-sounding theories were no longer so pure. Confucian theories had now become intertwined with maintenance of the imperial system and protecting the rights of the shi class. Therefore, these aspects cannot be overlooked when reading these Confucian theories. |