人是目的与手段的有机统一

Human Beings Are Integration of Purpose and Means

目的与手段是一对古老的哲学范畴,两者的统一在当代中国获得了现实的含义。坚持以人为本,应当坚持人是目的和手段有机统一的认识,具体包括两个层面的内涵:一是相对于物,人是目的,不是手段,即使在为了人而创造物的环节,人仍然是目的;二是相对于人自身、他人和社会,人既是目的又是手段。人是实现自身目的的现实力量,但需将人作为手段与物作为手段区别开来。把握人是目的与手段的有机统一,对在现实的社会发展中坚持以人为本具有重要的意义。

Purpose and means is a pair of philosophical concepts with a long history whose integration is of great significance in modern China. To adhere to this idea we should constantly stick to the recognition that man represents the integration of purpose and means. With respect to material, man is the purpose, not the means. Man does not function as the means even in the process of producing materials to meet the needs of man. On the other hand, with respect to man, others, and the society, man represents both the purpose and the means. Man is the force that actualizes his own purpose. However, it is necessary to distinguish man as the means and material as the means. The author concludes that adhering to the understanding that man is integration of the purpose and the means is of tremendous significance in observing the people-oriented principle in the course of social development.