Abstract: In politics, Xunzi argues for the government with rituals. Its main point is “the illumination of rituals.” What need to be “illuminated” are “standards of justice” and “social distinctions.” According to Xunzi, “standards of justice” are the value principles of rituals;” that is, “rituals” are morally justified because they conform to “standards of justice.” “Social distinctions” are the functional essence of “rituals,” and “rituals” are endowed with practical rationality because of “social distinctions.” Both “standards of justice” and “social distinctions” have rich meanings in Xunzi, and the relationship of them is fairly complicated. A deep examination of “standards of justice” and “social distinctions” as well as their relationship helps us understand the way of thinking, features of theory construction and historical limitations in traditional Chinese philosophy.

Key words: Xunzi, rituals, social distinctions, standards of justice