The Research Of Sima Qian's Social Thought

Social thought is shaped in daily life and practice. It is mainly about the construction and management of social life order and the idea and theory of idealistic social mode. Sima Qian illustrated his own point of view about the social thought in Historical Records. In the book social thought played an important role in his idea system. However, few scholars focused on it for a long time. The thesis tries to discuss the social thought of Sima Qian in the following three aspects by using relative theories and methods provided by sociology:Firstly, the thesis talks about Sima Qian's thought about social origin and development. Sima Qian put the human and social origin on "humans", suggesting that Yellow Emperor contributed to the change from social disorder into organization. But he also suggested that the deep reason of the change is due to man's desire, showing society is continuously changing and developing. Therefore, the basic reason of social change and development is due to "humans".Secondly, the thesis involves his thought of social stratification. Limited by age, Sima Qian still thought of the political position as the main standard of social stratification, which was shown in Historical Records. Meanwhile, he proposed that "Su Feng Lun" challenged social stratification of right standard. He also raised his own thought about kings, officials and citizens, which were the typical and ranked social roles in that society. On the basis, Sima Qian criticized the ruler of that time limited the social mobility and supported an open society.Thirdly, the thesis discusses his thought of social control and social administrative mode. When Sima Qian thought about the origin of social control, he thought the kings effect is the key point. Therefore, he intended that the main part of social control is the ruler. So it turns out that ruler is the center in the several mode sof social administration by Sima Qian. He gave out his own realistic social administrative mode by his theory. But his view on history determined that he would raise more demands to the ruler:people oriented.Sima Qian's social thought contains clear humanistic spirit,deep commoner characteristics, strong criticalness. Although few people regarded his social idea, it does be meaningful and valuable.