两种自由的分与合——对贡斯当自由观的理论定位

On the Distinction and Combination of Two Kinds of Liberty——An Theoretical Analysis on the Liberal Theory of Benjamin Constant

作为近代自由主义的奠基者之一,邦雅曼?贡斯当有关自由理论的最大特色在于他以时代的区分为基础把自由分为"古代人的自由"与"现代人的自由"。两种自由之间并不是根本对立的,存有一定的关联性。两种自由的结合是民主与宪政的结合,但由于两种自由之间的内在紧张以及民主与宪政之间的张力,两种自由并不能完全结合在一起。

As one of the founders of modem liberalism, the most distinguishing feature of Benjamin Constant＇s liberal theory lies in his distinction between ancient liberty and modem liberty on the basis of different times. There are some connections between two kinds of liberties. The combination of two kinds of liberties is the combination of democracy and constitutionalism. Because of the inner strain of two kinds of liberties and the tension between democracy and constitutionalism, the two cannot be completely combined together.