荀子富国理论中的礼法机制

Abstract

Xunzi emphasizes the priority of values of rituals in the phrases such as ‘legislation on the basis of rituals’ and ‘rituals before legislation’ when discussing the order of importance between rituals and law. However, when it comes to governing a country, he highlights a balance between or combination of rituals and law, saying that the general course of governance is to use both rituals, and law and a harmonious balance between rituals and law is the main platform for managing state affairs. His views on the rituals and law are his own unique proposal, coming from the experience of comparing the role and functions of rituals and law or political experiences. During the Warring States period, every philosopher and scholar concentrated on finding viable plans in theory to resolve political issues. Xunzi was no exception. The political issue of the Warring States period inevitably made Xunzi contemplate the viability of his concept of governance based on the combination of rituals and law, however, Xunzi unwaveringly defended his concept of governing a country with the combination of rituals and law. Such stance, for example, is reflected in his writings on education, enriching the state, the livelihood of people. Then, what argument did Xunzi build on his concept of governance which combined rituals and law in order to resolve one of the important issues at the time which was to enrich the state and the people? To answer the aforementioned question, the present study primarily investigates the roles and expected effects of two mechanisms; namely rituals and law in Xunzi’s concept of enriching the state. In addition, it examines what ritual role and legal functions his concept has and how it achieves the goal of enriching the state by quoting three comments made by Xunzi in detail. From the examination, it can be known that his concepts of taxation, and reward and punishment fall under positive laws which are specific laws and policies. Moreover, the regulations with respect to the division of labor, production, consumption and distribution are thought to be in line with the order of rituals and the basic definition of rituals by Xunzi. In addition, the implementation of strict laws which are in compliance with rituals can result in striking a balance among production, accounts and distribution from which a political effect can be expected to bring peace to people As such, rather than discussing the content of Xunzi’s concept of enriching the state, the present study looks at how the ritual and legal mechanisms in his concept help achieve the goal of enriching the state. In other words, the present study examines how the ritual and legal mechanisms operate within Xunzi’s concept of enriching the state and the people, because the ideal society sought by Xunzi is a society of rituals and law where a ruler governs by striking a harmonious balance between rituals and law.