形上之“理”与中国文化——理解朱熹学说在中国哲学史上重要意义的一种视角

On the Metaphysical Theory and Chinese Culture: an Angle to Understand the Importance of Zhu Xi's Theory in Chinese Philosophical History

朱熹创立的"理本体"观念,以其对形上之"理"阐释的完善性、缜密性和深刻性而为理学家普遍认同。其中,朱熹提出的"格物穷理"的认识方法论,是一个重大的发明。由于本体论与方法论的一致性,使得朱熹的形而上学哲学具有很强的说服力,对中国文化产生了深远的影响。在朱熹哲学的形成及其后的发展过程中,形上之"理"这一哲学范畴逐渐替代了"道"这一在中国文化中被广泛运用的哲学范畴。形上之"理"的产生在中国哲学史上具有划时代的意义,其后的儒家学者再没能做出真正的哲学意义的超越。这在中国文化发展史上具有显著的独特性。

The idealist ontology concept created by Zhu Xi and its perfect, deliberate and profound interpretation of metaphysical theory has been commonly acknowledged by neo-Confucians. The methodology, ＂making a thorough inquiry of matters＂, put forward by Zhu Xi is a great breakthrough. Its eonsistency between ontology and methodology has helped Zhu Xi＇s metaphysical theory to be very convincing, which has a profound influence on Chinese culture. During the periods from its formation to its further development, metaphysical theory steadily takes the place of Tao which used to be most commonly applied in Chinese culture. The formation of metaphysical theory which is of epochal importance in the history of Chinese philosophy has never been surpassed by the succeeding Confucians, which is very special in Chinese culture.