理性价值的兴起——论亚里士多德的价值理论

Value Theory in Aristotle:The Rise of the Rational Value

在伦理学和道德哲学方面,亚里士多德提出一种以人类生活的善为导向的价值概念。道德价值是目的论的,与个人价值以及群体价值相对应。它意味着中间价值和终极价值之间的逐步区分。亚里士多德的价值理论是一元的,他将幸福视为个人的终极价值。为了达到幸福,人们应当在理性灵魂指导下进行活动。价值理论层面的理性表明了一种新的价值概念,即“理性价值”。亚里士多德的终极价值建立在其关于人的理性的论证之上。通过强调个人和集体在实现理性价值方面的重要性,它提出了一种生活,在这种生活中,个人不仅是集体的一部分,而且有自己理智上的独立性。

Aristotle’s philosophy presents a diversified value concept.It examines value in different domains,in the domain of ontology and language,in the domain of economy as well as in the domain of ethics and moral philosophy.With respect to ethics and moral philosophy Aristotle’s discussion in his Nicomachean Ethics and Politics is oriented to the goodness of the human life.His moral value concept is teleological and corresponds to the individual(individual-oriented value)as well as to the group(group-oriented value).It implies a gradual distinction between a middle value(“instrumental value”),which is always worth pursuing for the sake of something else,and an end value(“intrinsic value”)which is always worth pursuing for itself.Aristotle only regards happiness(eudaimonia/ευδαιμονια)as the end value of the individual.This suggests that his value theory is monist.In order to reach happiness,one should carry out activities which follow our nature as a rational animal,namely activities directed by the rational soul.The rational soul implies capacities of practical rationality(namely virtues of character guided by practical wisdom(φρóνησιs/fronêsis))and of theoretical rationality(namely theoretical contemplation(θεωρια/theoria)).The reference to rationality in the context of the value theory suggests a new value concept which I interpret as the rational value.Aristotle’s end value is based on the argument of the rationality of man.The article first presents the value concept in the domains of ontology and language.Second,it analyzes the concept in the domains of ethics and moral philosophy arguing that(1)it is rationalbased and that(2)it presents a symbiotic relation between the individual and the collective which is relevant to Modern society.By emphasizing the importance of both the individual and the collective through the realization of the rational value it suggests a life in which the individual is not only a part of the collective but has its own intellectual independence as well.