| The Confucian theory of shi in the pre-Qin period is a fundamental issue related to the cognition of the world,an important factor in the formation of the dominant ideology of Chinese civilization,connecting the deepest content of Chinese culture.To explore the concept of shi in pre-Qin Confucianism,we need to start from the origin of Confucianism,which is rooted in the cultural soil of the ancient three generations.As early as the Yuxia era,people’s cognition of shi manifested along multiple dimensions.There was a natural sense of shi,which I call the "time of tian." There was a humanistic sense,which I call "time sequence." There was a theological sense,which I call "time and destiny." Finally,there was an ontological sense.These four connotations of shi shaped experience for our ancient ancestors.All affairs followed the law of shi.Shi contained vitality,carried order,and embodied destiny.It was the basic basis for production and life,and became the standard for judging right and wrong.Its ideological connotation was profound and broad.From the perspective of the concept of shi,it is not difficult to understand why the pre-Qin Confucianists respected Yao and Shun and other ancient kings,of course,because of their intrinsic ideological value.When it came to the formation of the concept of shi of pre-Qin Confucianism,on the one hand,it inherited the essence of three generations of civilization,and on the other hand,it was based on the specific situation of the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period,hoping to solve the problems of the times.On this basis,a unique perspective of understanding shi had been formed,such as: starting from the end and looking at life from the death.In the field of interaction among the outlook of history,life,politics,philosophy and shi,this thesis demonstrates that the pre-Qin Confucian theory of shi has three connotations and three characteristics.The three connotations are as follows: First,shi in the natural dimension refers to time and season.Second,shi in the social dimension refers to conditions and situation.The third is shi in the sense of cultural philosophy,which refers to opportunity and luck.In terms of characteristics of shi,shi is,first,the origin of life.Confucians look at the world,history,and society from the perspective of "life" and consider its survival and growth.In terms of survival,the emphasis is on the long-term;in terms of growth,value is important.Second,shi is integrated.Pre-Qin Confucians had a panoramic vision,and each specific shi is condensed in a three-dimensional perspective,reflecting the continuity of the past,present,and future.This view of the flow of time not only has continuity,but also stability.Third,shi is practical.It is not an abstract concept,but is concrete,real,and perceptible.Whether knowing or responding to shi,various measures are specific,practical,and operable,which fully demonstrates its practicality.The pre-Qin Confucian theory of shi established a navigation mark for social history and gave a sense of direction to life,that is,to walk with shi and to the way,which has important guiding significance for real life.It is hoped that through this study,we can clearly see the multiple characteristics of the concept of shi in pre-Qin Confucianism,and get inspiration from it,so as to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of pre-Qin Confucianism. |
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