道教之道与科学之道新论

New View of Taoism and Science

道教之道,既是宗教之道,又是自然之道,也是科学之道。道教不但在天文历法、地理、化学、医学、数理及生物生命科学方面有许多具体而微的科学贡献,在自然探索的思维方法与思维模式上也孕育形成了富有道教特色的科学之道,主要有:"仰观俯察""观变察机"的观察思维、"参验"与"勤求试之"的实验思维、"博闻善择""由易及难"的认知思维、"精辩玄赜""析理入微"的逻辑思维等四个方面,这种科学之道乃是道教人士仰观天文、俯察地理、体悟人与万物之理活动中积淀形成的道教科学思维方法,是道教在认识自然和探索人与自然关系过程中逐步孕育的,道教对天地自然的态度和思维方式不仅有助于古代科学的发展,而且其精华也给现代人以许多启迪,可为现代人处理好自然、社会与人类的协调发展关系提供某种借鉴。

Taoism is both the truth of religion and rule of nature as well as principle of science. Taoism makes a concrete and minute scientific contribution not only to astronomy, calendar, geography, ehemsitry, medicine, mathematics, physics, biology and life science but cnceive a scientific method characteristic of Taoism in thinking method and pattern for nature exploration, which mainly covers the observing mentality of ＂watching for change and chance＂ , experiment mentality for ＂participating in test＂ and ＂seeking diligently for test＂ , cognitive thinking for ＂well-informed decision＂, ＂evolution from simplicity to complexity＂ and logical thinking for detailed analysis. Such a scientific method is one for Taoists to look up at astronomy, examine geography and apprehend the Taoist scientific way of thinking deposited by both human being and nature and developed by Taoism in realizing nature and exploring relation between man and nature. The attitude and thinking method of Taoists towards nature not only promote scientific developmemt but its essence enlightens modern being and offer certain experience for modern being to handle well the coordinated development between nature, society and mankind.