中国古典政治哲学的基本精神及其当代意义

The Basic Spirit of Chinese Classical Political Philosophy and Its Contemporary Significance

政治哲学无论在西方还是在中国,都是古已有之。由于时间、地域和历史条件的限制,中西古今政治哲学之间都存在不小的差异。就中国古典政治哲学而言,悠久的文化传统、复杂的社会结构、独特的生存方式以及相对封闭的地理环境,形成了其对道德伦理的关注、天道性命的建构、百姓民生的关怀等区别于其他不同民族文化的政治哲学精神。不仅如此,对现实政治存在的辩护、批判以及对未来理想社会的设计,都使得中国古典政治哲学自产生之日起,便在古代政治生活中产生了广泛的影响。尽管古代哲学家的许多具体政治主张大多成为思想的陈迹,但作为人类精神遗产的一部分,中国古典政治哲学仍包含着值得珍视的思想资源。因此,对于当代中国社会的现代化与政治发展而言,认真对待中国古典政治哲学,准确理解它所蕴涵的现代价值,就有着十分重要的意义。

Political philosophy has existed in the West or in China since ancient times. Due to the limitation of time, region and historical conditions, there are many differences between Chinese and Western political philosophy. As far as Chinese classical political philosophy is concerned, its long cultural tradition, complex social structure, unique way of existence and relatively closed geographical environment have formed its political philosophy spirit which is different from other national cultures in its concern for moral ethics, the construction of heaven and nature, and the people’ s livelihood. Not only that, but also the defense and criticism of the real political existence and the design of the ideal society in the future have made the Chinese classical political philosophy play a widespread influence and role in the ancient political life from the date of its emergence. Although many specific political propositions of ancient philosophers have mostly become relics of thought, as part of the spiritual heritage of mankind, Chinese classical political philosophy still contains valuable ideological resources. Therefore, for the modernization and political development of contemporary Chinese society, it is of great significance to treat Chinese classical political philosophy seriously and understand its modern value accurately.