西方的政治学与中国传统政治思想:从忽略到认可?

Western Political Sciences and Traditional Chinese Political Thought:From Indifference toward Recognition?

战国时代诸子百家的政治思想,无论是从其视野的广度、多元化及丰富程度,或从其对当时与后世的政治文化的影响上看,都是无与伦比的。然而一直到现在该思想都没有引起西方学者(无论是大部分汉学家还是政治学家)应有的关注。传统中国政治思想对西方的政治学产生影响是可能的。从学术方法上看,中国古代思想的现实性,其历史性论证方式及其所带来的灵活性,都会丰富西方的政治理论。从内容上看,尽管中国传统的思想不会成为西方政治思想的代替品,但起码会挑战西方主流政治文化一些一成不变的原则(例如政治上的绝对平等观),并让西方学者重新考虑自己的文化的缺陷。更系统地了解中国传统政治思想将扩大西方政治学的视野。

Chinese political thought of the Warring States period （453-221 BCE） is unrivalled worldwide in terms of its creativity, boldness, ideological diversity, and its immediate and long-term impact. Nonetheless, its political con- tent neither stands at the focus of explorations of Western Sinologists, nor is noticed by Western political scientists. My article analyzes the reasons behind this lackluster interest, and also outlines areas in which Western political sciences may benefit from engagement with traditional Chinese thinkers. In particular I believe that practical orientation of tradi- tional Chinese political thought, as well as its intrinsic links to history-writing and resultant flexibility may enrich West- ern political theories. In terms of content： while traditional Chinese ideas may not pose a serious alternative to dominant Western political thought, they may at the very least allow questioning and reconsidering some of the hegemonic percep- tions in modern Western political thought, such as an idea of political equality. Deeper engagement with traditional Chi- nese political thought will broaden the horizons of Western political sciences.