理性的天平——论莱布尼兹的两种理性观

The Balance of Reason——On Two Views of Rationality of Leibniz Marcelo Dascal

天平这一形象化的比喻对西方哲学思想中理性的概念化产生了影响。天平的隐喻与西方思想中的两个不同的理性概念相符合,莱布尼兹对发展这两种理性观做出了重要贡献。这两种对理性的解释同时存在于莱布尼兹的作品中,然而二者实际上是互补的而不是相互竞争的。其中一种解释被称作“公制的”或“运算法则的”,导向了“硬”理性概念,另一种被称为“辩证的”,导向了“软”理性概念。莱布尼兹作为“温和”的理性主义者的一面,是非常值得关注的,在莱布尼兹思想的这一面可以发现他为理性辩护的策略的基本原则,这些原则能够较好地应对过去和现在理性所遭受的严厉批判。

The metaphor of balance has an influence upon the conceptualization of rationality in Western philosophical thought. It is compatible with two different conceptions of rationality, both present in Western thought. Leibniz contributed substantially to the development of both views of rationality. The interpretations of two views of rationality coexist in his works ,they are indeed complementary rather than competing with each other. One ofthem called ＇metric＇ or ＇algorithmic＇ leads to a ＇ hard＇ conception of reason, while the other dubbed ＇ dialectical＇ leads to a ＇soft＇ conception of ratio- nality. There is ＇ another＇ Leibniz, a ＇ soft＇ rationalist, who deserves to be paid close attention to. Furthermore, in this other side of Leibniz＇ s thought one can find the basis for a strategy of defense of rationality which is in a better position to cope with rationality＇s tougher critics, past and present.