隱喻係設定且重新設定觀點、想法與推理方式的基本的概念設施。〈孟〉、〈莊〉善用隱喻重設;本文提出聯合〈孟〉、〈莊〉隱喻重設的研究方略，探討儒學外王之路得以如何轉化且連結到立憲民主而站到公民論述的位置。本文選取羅爾斯的正義論及其對於公共理性的觀點為參考基準，來傳承並立下〈孟〉、〈莊〉聯合觀點於當代西學主導的情勢中能有的重要的政治內涵。

Metaphor is a basic conceptual device for framing and reframing ideas and ways of reasoning. I propose an integrative account of metaphorical reframing in the Mengzi and the Zhuangzi, and argue that this basic conceptual device can be redeployed to connect the Confucian ideal of kingly governance to constitutional democracy and civil engagement in public discourse. Rawls’ theory of justice and its related idea of public reason are used as a reference point in relation to which the integrative account is developed.