冲突与共识:《泥泞时节的两个流浪汉》的应用伦理学解读

Conflict and Consent: The Practical Approach to Two Tramps in Mud Time

罗伯特·弗罗斯特诗作《泥泞时节的两个流浪汉》以直面现实的态度忠实记录了发生在大萧条时期的一场富于伦理意味的冲突。传统伦理批评强调对是非善恶做出判断和选择,在面对此类道德悖论时往往陷入两难僵局。应用伦理学倡导直面冲突、依靠商谈程序、寻求道德共识和容错纠错,恰好为这首诗的解读提供了钥匙。

Robert Frost’s Poem TwoTrampsin Mud Timeis a down-to-earth and matter-of-fact record of a conflict in the Great Depression whose ethical implications are manifold, although the poet does not propose any resolution. Traditionally, ethical criticism emphasizes the choice and judgment of right or wrong, good or evil;therefore it often falls into dilemma when facing moral paradox. On the contrary, drawing on negotiating process, practical ethics advocates facing conflict, seeking moral consent, and correcting or tolerating mistakes, which provides a key to interpreting the poem.