现代性与文化:韦伯的理论遗产之重估

The Relevance of Culture to Modernity: Revisiting Max Weber's theoretical legacy

本文从文化与现代性之关系的角度探讨了韦伯对现代性的理论解释的局限性。本文认为:韦伯之将现代性的一般文化特征归结为形式合理性的观点是一种简单化的观点,这种观点使他既看不到现代性与非西方文化传统共存的可能性,也看不到现代性在西方也有超越形式合理性的可能性。韦伯之所以会有这种观点,是因为其社会行动类型学对形式合理性与实质合理性的区分过于僵化,这种区分使他无法解释传统文化(尤其是非西方的传统文化)在现代社会中的持续影响。

This essay examines the limitations of Weber's conception of modernity from the perspective of how culture relates to modernity. It argues that Weber is simplistic in defining formal rationality as the general feature of modern culture. This simplistic perception makes it impossible for Weber or Weberians to explain the possible affinity between non-Western traditions (the Confucian tradition in this case) and modernity, as well as the possibility for Western modernity to transcend formal rationality in its cultural sphere. This essay further argues that the reason for Weber's simplicity lies in his rigid classification of formal vs. substantive rationality in his typology of social actions. Under the framework of his typology, he is unable to perceive the continuous influences of traditional cultures (Western and non-Western) on the progress of modernity in the West and elsewhere, as well as the coexistence of formal and substantive rationality in the context of modernity.