韓非方案失敗了嗎？──機器、勢與技術論

Did Han Fei’s Plan Fail?: Han Fei’s Theory of Machinery, Power, and Technique

韓非（c. 281 B.C.-233 B.C.）創發了一套將治理人當成操縱物的思維模式，其關鍵涵義在於「全面控制」的想法首次被理論化，這可能是自古迄今許多政治領袖們的想望。韓非欲藉著人為的運作，建立自動的社會機器；以朱利安（Francois Jullien）的話來說，即是企圖將變化之勢固定下來，使君王藉由統御的技術，鞏固於位勢。
許多學者指出這套理論刻薄寡恩，且具有不可化解的內在衝突。但能否就此宣稱韓非的方案失敗？本文認為，應當區分「韓非理論」與「韓非方案」；其理論固不圓滿，卻不能由過往歷史直接推論其方案必然失敗。就如今眼光觀之，但凡有野心的執政者都會設法修改、彌補，或調整這部統御機器，是以韓非方案可視為強權政治的想望。本文試以持平立場闡釋韓非方案可能蘊含的意義。

Han Fei韓非(c. 281 B.C.-233 B.C.) developed a mode of thinking that treated governing the people as being similar to manipulating objects. The key significance of this mode of thinking lies in the fact that it represents the first time a Chinese intellectual theorized about the idea of“total control,”which has been an aspiration of many rulers throughout history. Han Fei aimed to establish an automated social machine that was operated by people in authority; in the words of François Jullien, he sought to fix the momentum of change, allowing the ruler to consolidate his position through the techniques of governance.
Many scholars have pointed out that Han’s theory is harsh and lacks benevolence, and that it contains irreconcilable internal conflicts. But can we thus declare Han Fei’s plan a failure? This article argues that a distinction should be made between the“theory of Han Fei”and the“plan of Han Fei.”While his theory is indeed imperfect, one cannot directly infer from past history the inevitable failure of his plan. From a contemporary perspective, any ambitious ruler could attempt to modify, compensate for, or adjust this governing mechanism. This article explains the potential implications of Han Fei’s plan, which can be understood as an aspiration to strengthen political authority.