朱子史學“正統論”的三重意藴:以《資治通鑑綱目》爲中心的考察

Three Meanings of “Legitimacy” in Zhu Xi's Historiography: A Study Focusing on The Outline of Zizhi Tongjian

Abstract

LANGUAGE NOTE | Document text in Chinese; abstract also in English.

“正統論”是中國史學傳統的一大主題，也是朱子史學思想的核心。朱子史學的“正統論”集中體現在其史學巨著《資治通鑑綱目》中，可以細分爲三重意藴，即：大一統、嚴君父、致王道。其中，“大一統”既是對《春秋》史法的繼承，也是對北宋以來以歐陽修與司馬光爲代表的史學“正統論”的修正；“嚴君父”則是“大一統”内涵的進一步提升，是對《春秋》義例的忠實守護，體現出朱子史學的經學特質；“致王道”則是朱子史學“正統論”的終極關切，是朱子作爲理學家對聖門性理大義的强化、和對儒家王道理想的追求，具體則表現爲《資治通鑑綱目》一書“蜀漢正統論”的彰顯。朱子史學“正統論”不僅是朱子學經史貫通、理事兼備的卓越成就，更成爲後世歷史觀的突出代表而具有極深遠的影響。

A major topic in Chinese historiography tradition, the discourse on “legitimacy” also constitutes of core of Zhu Xi’s historiography. As expressed in his monumental work, The Outline of Zizhi Tongjian, Zhu Xi’s idea of legitimacy has three meanings——“great unity,” “reverence for the emperor and father,” and “bring about the kingly way.” First, “great unity” is the continuation of the legacy of the Spring and Autumn Annals; it is also an emendation of the discourse on legitimacy in Northern Song historiography as represented by Ouyang Xiu and Sima Guang. Second, “reverence for the emperor and father” is a loyal defense of the principles of Spring and Autumn Annals and enhances the meaning of “great unity.” This aspect represents the element of Confucian classic studies in Zhu Xi’s historiography. “Bring about the kingly way” is the final goal of the theory of legitimacy in Zhu Xi’s historiography. It is expressly represented in his granting legitimacy to Shuhan in The Outline of Zizhi Tongjian. It reinforces Zhu Xi’s emphasis as a Neo-Confucian on the philosophical tenets of Confucianism and represents his pursuit of the Confucian political ideal. Generally speaking, Zhu Xi’s theory of political legitimacy was not only his contribution to Confucian Classics and historiography, but it also had significant influence and stood as a notable example for future generations’ view of history.