能力及其可行性——阿玛蒂亚·森能力理论的伦理基础

Capability and Feasibility——The Ethical Foundation of Amartya Sen's Theory of Capability

阿玛蒂亚·森的能力通常被置于平等问题的语境中讨论,我们希望更切进概念的内涵对能力做一个理论渊源上的还原,并借此考察能力的伦理基础。森从成就、福利、自由、主体性四个维度看待个人优势,将自由和主体性二者作为能力的本质体现,这一做法深受亚里士多德传统的影响。森的自由维度受益于亚里士多德对选择的思考;他的主体性也源自亚里士多德四因说中的动力因,二者合一体现着对人的生活意义的关注。亚里士多德传统为能力理论的自我辩护贡献了新的思路,为其现实可行性提供了理论依据。

The Capability Approach of Amartya Sen used to be discussed in the context of social equality, while I endeavor to do reduction semantics and observe the ethical foundation of the concept of capability. In Sen＇s view of the personal advantages, there are four dimensions of a- chievement, well--being, freedom and agency. His considering freedom and the agency as the es- sence of the capability was deeply influenced by the tradition of Aristotle. His idea of freedom benefits from Aristotle＇s words of choice; and his agencystems from the final cause in Aristotle＇s thought, which are reflecting the concerning on ultimate value in human life. Also, Aristotelian tradition still contributes a new way of justification for Sen＇s capability, which provides a theoretical basis for its practical feasibility.