西方民主的理论困境——萨托利与哈贝马斯的范式之辩

Theoretical Predicament of Western Democracy——Debate of Pattern between Sartori and Habermas

最近围绕西方民主理论的聚讼增多。分析与探讨当代西方的民主困境,已经成为势所必趋的研究课题。在全面透视西方民主的理论与实践时,有两个民主理论范式是无法回避的,它们分置于民主理论的两翼:一个是力求批判现代性而倡导"精英民主"理论的萨托利,一个是延续理性启蒙而创建"话语民主"理论的哈贝马斯。二人可以说以有着几乎相同的社会经历与相同的时代任务,然而却造就了彼此相异的理论逻辑与相异的学术诉求。检视萨托利和哈贝马斯的民主理论的歧变与差异、对接与耦合,有助于全面分析民主与资本主义的矛盾的实质,从而更好地厘清当代西方民主的理论与实践危机。

There is an increase of plea concerning western democratic theory. Analyzing and exploring into contemporary western democratic predicament is an unavoidable subject of study. Based on the investigation into the theory and practice of western democracy, there are two patterns： one is the theory of Sartori who criticizes modernity and advocates＂elite democracy＂; the other is Habermas who inherits rational enlightenment and establishes＂speech democracy＂. They have similar social experience and common task of the times but different theoretical logic and academic pursuit. Investigation into the change, difference, connection and coincidence of their democratic theory can help analyze completely the nature of the contradiction between democracy and capitalism so as to sort out the theory and practical crisis of western democracy.