法理之“理”的意义流变

The Meanings of “Li” in Chinese Jurisprudence

中文关键词:  法理；理；理由；理性；规律

英文关键词:jurisprudence, li, justification, reason, law

中文摘要:

      法理一词古已有之，是从中文“理”字的词义运用中产生，而法理学的概念则自英语jurisprudence翻译而来，两者确有十分近似的含义。从法理产生和流变的历史逻辑进行分析，可以发现三个层次的“理”之含义：理由、理性和规律，它们有认识上的递进关系。理由仅讲究法律背后的正当依据，而理性却要求在不同的依据中寻求普遍性和统一性，规律的出场则体现了以必然性和确定性替代正当性的实证主张。法理之“理”既有时代性、地方性内容，也有普适性内容；既有可变的一面，也有相对不变的一面。法理的内容尽管可能是变动的，但它的意义却是永恒的。

英文摘要:

      The Chinese word “fa li” means jurisprudence. “Fa” means “law” or “legal”, while “li” as the core of the word “fa li” has more meanings which have been developed historically and logically. An analysis of the appearance and evolution of “fa li” in history and logic shows three connotations of “li” in “fa li”: justification, reason and law. Cognitively, they are in progressive relations. Justification only claims legitimate basis, and reason needs universality and unity in diverse justifications. Law exhibits the positive opinion that legitimate basis should be replaced by inevitability and determinacy. On the one hand, the meaning of “li” in “fa li” is temporal, spatial and universal; on the other hand, it is variable and relatively invariable. Although the content of “fa li” is changeable, its significance is eternal