苏格拉底的理性与信仰

Reason and Belief of Socrates

苏格拉底思想中理性与宗教信仰的矛盾以及其思想的宗教向度,一直是西方学者密集讨论的一个主题。一种观点认为,苏格拉底的宗教信仰不值得严肃对待,他有关神谕、神灵的说法是用大多数人的习用语言来谈论理性信念。另一种观点则认为,苏格拉底的宗教信仰是严肃的,神意与理性考察是两条不同的确立信念的渠道,两者相互融合而不互相冲突。对相关文献的分析表明,苏格拉底的信仰是真诚的,他确信有高于人的神圣的力量存在,这种神圣力量是善意的,关注人的生活并希望人类活得好或幸福。但是,苏格拉底信仰的具体内容却不是基于宗教文献、宗教传统或宗教仪式,而是出于他自己的理性思索与考察,他的信仰内在于他的理性哲学,而他的哲学(爱智慧)则服务于这种信仰。

It has been a topic discussed over time by western scholars concerning the conflict between reason and religious belief in the thought of Socrates as well as its religious dimension. One idea holds that the religious idea of Socrates is not worth considering and his speech about oracle and divinities is conveyed in habitual use of language. The other argues that the religious belief of Socrates is very serious and divinity and rational investigation are two ways to establish belief, which are blended and not conflicting. An analysis of relevant literature shows that the belief of Socrates is sincere and he believes there exists divine power superior to human being and this power is good, focusing on man＇s life and hoping for the good and bliss of human beings. However, the specific content of the belief of Socrates is not based on religious literature, tradition or ritual, but on his rational thinking and investigation. His belief is innate in his rational philosophy and his philosophy （love of wisdom） serves this belief.