儒效命题在宋代的演变及文章书写

Abstract

The proposition of "Confucian Efficacy"(儒效) stands as a significant theoretical construct in the intellectual history of Confucianism, with its conceptual foundations originally established by Xunzi(荀子). Following the Pre-Qin period, this proposition experienced a period of relative dormancy until the Song Dynasty, when it re-emerged as a central theme in the discourse of the literati. The Song political system, defined by the principle of "governing the state through Confucianism," maintained a profound connection with the Pre-Qin ideals of Confucian efficacy. During the Northern Song, the revival of Confucianism and various political reforms drove both the evolution of the term’s internal meaning and its practical political application. By the reign of Emperor Xiaozong(孝宗) in the Southern Song, "Confucian Efficacy" resurfaced as a critical keyword in official documentary writing. This resurgence was closely linked to Xiaozong’s style of "autocratic governance"(乾綱獨斷) and his inherent distrust of Confucian scholars. In response to this political climate, the court official Zhou Bida (周必大) frequently articulated the concept of Ruxiao in his official writings. In doing so, he practiced the Confucian ideal of “statecraft and utility(經世致用)”, utilizing literary composition as a tool to demonstrate the practical value of Confucianism in governance.