关键词: 儒学, 仁, 礼

Abstract: The original form of Confucianism is the unity of “ren” (humaneness) and “li” (behavioral propriety). Ren involves not only universal principles of value but our internal spiritual world as well. At the level of value principles, ren is essentially to affirm human beings’ value; while in the internal spiritual world ren is manifested in the forms of personality, virtue and realm of existence, etc. On the contrary, li is often embodied in real social codes and social systems. As social codes, li can be regarded as basic norms that guide social life and social behaviors; as social systems, li is embodied in various social organizations, including political systems. In terms of their relationship, ren and li are related and mutually permeable, which constitutes the initiative state of Confucianism. In the historical process, Confucianism experienced its historical differentiation, especially the division of ren and li. As to develop Confucianism nowadays, the main issue is how to return to the original form of the unity of ren and li at a higher historical level. Returning to the unity of ren and li doesn’t mean to restore its past state. In contrast, such returning shall develop ren and li in new historical conditions. On the one hand, free personality and real norms, individual sphere and public sphere, harmony and justice shall be unified from the perspectives of ren and li; on the other, the unity of ren and li achieves its new significance under present context. This understanding of Confucianism also presents the rational spirit in a broad sense.