The Representation and Protection of Moeurs：Rousseau’s Social Theory of Roman Constitutions

Moeurs is at the core of Rousseau’s social thought. His discussion of moeurs constitutes an important beginning of Western social theory. This article attempts to bring the moral sociology perspective of “moeurs” into the discussion of the Roman constitutions and examine the social theoretical implications of various constitutions. This article contends that the Rome Comitia is a manifestation of different moeurs in the specific historical periods, and the function of the Senate is to guide the trend of moeurs through the law. The essence of the tribunate is to protect the moeurs with the negative power, whereas the power of the censorship aims to present and guide the judgment of the public opinion. Whether the dictatorship can effectively run relies on the social mentality of the public with regard to the absolute power.

张国旺

本文系教育部人文社会科学研究青年基金项目“卢梭法治思想的人性论基础”（课题编号：15YJC820075）和中国社会科学院大学学术创新工程支持计划的研究成果。

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