國立臺灣大學政治科學論叢

After the Tang-Song transformation (唐宋變革), intellectuals took the leading roles in politics, and they had two modes of thought for dealing with problems. Taking the Xi-Ning Reform as an example, we can discern Wang Anshi (王安石) and Sima Guang’s (司馬光) political attitudes by analyzing their modes of thought. Su Shi (蘇軾) had conflicting opinions of the same issue. During the reign of Emperor Renzong of Song (宋仁宗), he agreed with the reform, but opposed it during the reign of Emperor Shenzong of Song (宋神宗). He and Sima Guang both opposed the Xi-Ning Reform, yet he was also against the abatement orders of the Xi-Ning Reform.

We attempt to find an explanation for Su Shi’s conflicting opinions, and the Dongpo Yizhuan is the most relevant book. Su Shi’s mode of thought can be described as “Identity of Phenomena and Reality”, so he claimed that Li (the Great Rule) and QI (vital energy) are the same. He was used to thinking from a of things “bottom-up” perspective. However, Su Shi also advocated the principle of “from one to two” and believed that differences are reasonable. Su Shi did not approve of Wang Anshi’s point of view to make all people the same as him.