| Abstract |
The purpose of this paper is to examine the fundamental differences between Xunzi’s and Han Fei 's two historical concepts by comparing two pairs of relative ideas: “Constant” vs. “Change” and “Ancient” vs. “Modern” as an attempt to clarify some of the disputes. In Xunzi's historical concept of “constant changing” view, “constant” and “change” constitute a relationship between thinking and practice; and in the historical concept of Han Fei's ethnical concept, “constancy” and “change” constitutes an antagonistic relationship. Tracing back to its source, Xunzi's ethical system is inherited from Confucian concept of “keeping the constant and make adjustments” whereas Han Fei's “constantly changing” is originated from Lao Tzu's “Road, impermanence” as its theoretical basis. The “ancient” and “present” formed in the process of historical development, Xunzi’s discourse highlighted the “ancient” and “modern” are mutually autonomous in the subjective spirit of the subjectivity through the discourse of “ancient and present are the same”; through Han Fei’s discussion on “the ancient and the modern are different”, it is emphasized that the cognitive significance of “ancient” and “modern” are in its objective facts. |
