孟子思想对西方伦理思想的挑战

Challenges of Mencius' Ideas for Western Ethical Thought

与根植于"独立个体""自由民主"的西方哲学相比,儒家强调整体关系中自我的成长与圆满,这更有利于克服当今世界共同困境。孟子的"性善说"强调人的主动性,由此对西方的"性恶论"提出了挑战,引起了西方汉学界对"人性论"的纷争;追求"公共善"的"率性说"对"个人主义"提出了挑战,引起了西方对现有世界文化秩序的再思考;提倡"善政"及共同体神圣性的"民本说"对"自由主义"提出了挑战,引起了西方学者对现代世俗化的反思。中国哲学不仅属于中国,而且属于世界,中西哲学对话及相互补充将会迎来哲学的新纪元。

Compared with Western philosophy that is rooted in individualism and liberal democracy, Confucianism stresses the individual growth and perfectness in the holistic relation, which is more conducive to resolving common dilemmas in the current world. Mencius’ claim that "human nature is good" highlights the man’s initiatives, challenging the Western theory of "evil human nature" while invoking a heated discussion of "human nature" among the Chinese scholars in the West. And his claim of "following one’s nature" in the pursuit of "public goodness" poses a challenge against "individualism", causing the reconsideration of cultural orders in the current world in the West. In addition,his people-centered theory that advocates "good governance" and holy community also challenges "liberalism", motivating the Western scholars to reflect modern secularization. Chinese philosophy belongs not only to China, but also to the world, and the dialogue and mutual complement of Chinese and Western philosophies will give rise to a new era of philosophy.