The Presentations of “Confucius”: From the Warring States Period to the Western Han

• Main Authors: Wu, Hsiao-Yun, 吳曉昀
• Other Authors: Lin, Tsung-Shun
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2018
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/3ga2bk

博士 === 國立清華大學 === 中國文學系所 === 106 === 　　This dissertation examines the statements and comments toward Confucius, which build Confucius’ image and standing during the Warring States period to the late Western Han. Though many studies have mentioned the various presentations of Confucius presenting in this period, this study attempts to investigate the reasons that people presented “Confucius” in different ways and the meanings of these various presentations in early China’s intellectual history. It takes three parts to state the results of this dissertation: 　　First, since the Warring States period, “Confucius” was not only an index sign which signified a person named Confucius, but also a symbol sign. Therefore, when people described, statement, or commented “Confucius,” what they focus on might be the meaning that “Confucius” symbolized in the historical context they were being. The meanings of “Confucius” might change with the historical context. During the Warring States period, “Confucius” symbolized an extraordinary person, who knows everything and being good at commenting on anything; in the Western Han, “Confucius” symbolized an ancient sage, who made sacred canon (the Five Classics) and left his teaching for future generations and the next dynasty. 　　Second, although the honorific titles, such as “sage” or “uncrowned king,” were likely due to people’s admiration, they were actually the result of people’s discussion on “Confucius.” Scholars connected the symbolic significance of “Confucius” with other concept(s), making “Confucius” involve into those issues they concerned. During the Warring States period, scholars connected “Confucius” with “sage,” for discussing if an omniscient sage could share the power of formulating policies. In the Western Han, Confucian scholars connect “Confucius” with “king” and “heaven,” for discussing if a sage of humble birth could guide the emperor(s) and the political system of Han dynasty. As a result, “Confucius” was addressed as a “sage” in the pre-Qin, and then as an “uncrowned king” in the Western Han. 　　Third, as acts of “saying something,” interpreting “Confucius” had different meanings and effects in different historical contexts. During the Warring States period, while scholars tended to make “Confucius” being open to interpretation, they were doing interpretive dialogue by discoursing on “Confucius.” In the Western Han, while Confucian scholars and the authorities tend to set the role of “Confucius” as an intermediary, interpreting “Confucius” became an intersubjective activity. 　　In summary, this dissertation examines the various and variable presentations of “Confucius” from the Warring States period to the Western Han, explains the reason of changing, and survey the train of thought in history. It presents why and how Confucius, who was not only an embodiment of Dao but also an intermediary between Dao and politics (or between scholars and the authorities), has such significant standing in Chinese history.