本文嘗試指出夏商周至春秋戰國國家結構的演變-即從有國家之 雛型至後來的郡縣制，並說明國家的概念業從較鬆散的政治組織，轉 爲極爲強大的集中合法公共權力穿透個人生活的新國家。而《管子》 的政治主張「因」，有助於處理、回應個體與國家的緊張態勢。是故， 本文先對國家結構的轉變進行說明，接續論及《管子》書的文本屬性、 定位與內容陳述。之後，相參於過往對中國早期國家的歷史研究成果 並站在「思想史」和「對話」的角度，對《管子》的國家理論作一呈 明。同時本文發現，《管子》國家理論奠基於二本一社會與個體端本在 民情人性之利害和統治者（君）端則本於「因順」、「因循」的「無爲 之治」。最後，盼能藉本體論（Ontology)之概念與《管子》進行對話。

This essay focuses on state transformation from the Three Dynasties Period to the period of Spring and Autumn and the Warring States. Namely, as the state had transitioned from its embryonic form to the Junxian (郡縣）system, its conceptualization varied from that of a loose organization to a powerful apparatus in which its centralized, legitimized and widespread power was able to interfere the private lives of its subjects. This essay argues that by looking at concepts originating from Yin (因)，Guanzi (管子）had addressed the growing tension between the individual and the state. This paper first elaborates on the structural transformation of the state, then on the characteristics, the nature, and the content of the book. This paper demonstrates the state theory in Guanzi, which benefited from the extent findings of the Chinese early state in the field of history and from the perspectives of “intellectual history” and “dialogue”. There are two premises: one on the social or individual, the other on the ruler. The former focuses on the interests concerned in human nature, and the latter focuses on the concepts of YTnshun (因順)，YTnxun (因循）and Wuw6i zhT zhi (無爲之治).Finally, this paper illuminates the concept of ontology found in Guanzi.