维新思潮中科学的形上意蕴

The Metaphysical Implication of Science in the Reform Thoughts

中国近代思想家对西方自然科学的认识经历了由器物层面到制度层面、再到观念层面的转变过程。观念层面上的科学观在主要的维新思想家那里体现出了明显的形上意蕴。他们不只是关注自然科学的探索本身,而是把科学作为一个价值体系、一个方法体系和一种理性精神加以崇尚和信仰。而且,这种形上理解中包含了维新思想家建构以民主、平等、自由为核心价值的现代性方案的尝试。

Modern Chinese thinker's understanding towards the Western natural science experienced the process from theimplements level to system level, then to concept level. The view on science at the concept level had an apparent metaphysicalimplication in the idea of major thinkers of reform. Not only did they pay attention to the exploration of science, but they alsobelieved in and respected science, regarding it as a value system, a methodology system, and a kind of rational spirit. In addition, thismetaphysical understanding includes reform thinker's attempt to construct the modern scheme based on such core values asdemocracy and equality and freedom.