“中庸”与“中道”:孔子与亚里士多德之德性观的差异

On the Differences of Virtue by Confucius and Aristotle

孔子持"中庸是德性",而亚里士多德持"德性是中道"。孔子的"中庸"是德性的主词,其德性主要是伦理德性,有着整体性的思维方式和天人互动的"天命"观念;而亚氏所论的"中道"则是德性的谓词,其德性观包含着伦理德性和智性德性,侧重于分析的思维方式以及科学的理论思维,其智性德性最终与其宗教观念相通。他们思想的差异对中西文化的不同走向产生了巨大影响。

Confucius＇ virtue is ＂the zhongyong is virtue＂,whereas Aristotle＇s virtue is ＂Virtue is the mean＂.Confucius＇ mean is the subject of the virtue, a kind of ethical virtue, with a cosmic whole of thinking,and with the mutuality of man and the ordinance of Heaven;whereas,Aristotle＇ s doctrine of the mean is the object of the virtue with a classification of ethical virtue and intellectual virtue, with an emphasis on analytical and scientific thinking, with an ultimate link of religion.The differences produce a great impact upon their respective cultures.