论阳明心学的实践品格及其对乡约文化的影响

On the Practical Nature of Wang Yangming’s Philosophy and Its Influence on the Village Convention

作为中国历史上最具影响力的思想家之一,王阳明的心学体系不仅是思想和理论上的创造性反思,也是对身心修养与道德实践体验的直接描述。他继承和发扬了儒家“内圣外王”的传统,主张在伦理教化与道德实践的内在统一中实现救治社会弊病和重建社会秩序之目的。王阳明通过对“心即理”“格物致知”“知行合一”等进行创造性的诠释来展现自己心学的实践品格。在阳明心学实践品格的影响下,孔孟之道不再是那些掌握话语权的读书人的专利,而是成为每个社会成员都能够拥有的思维模式和生活常识。阳明心学的实践品格在肯定普通民众道德实践价值和意义的同时,为中国古代的乡治实践和乡约文化的发展提供了学理性支持。

As one of the most influential thinkers in Chinese history,Wang Yangming’s philosophical system is not only a creative reflection of thoughts and theories,but a direct description of physical and mental cultivation and moral practice. He inherited and carried forward the Confucian tradition of "Nei-Sheng-Wai-Wang", and advocated that the purpose of curing social malady and reconstructing social order should be realized in the internal unity of ethical culture and moral practice. The practical character of Wang Yangming’s theory is demonstrated through his creative interpretation of the process of "mind is ration","Investigating Things to Extend Knowledge(Ge-Wu-Zhi-Zhi)" and "Theory to Practice". Under the influence of the practical character of Wang Yangming’s theory, the doctrine of Confucius and Mencius is no longer the patent of those who possess power,but becomes the thinking model and common sense of life that every member of society could have. While affirming the practical value and significance of the moral practice of the common people,the practical character of his theory provided the theoretical support for the development of the practice of rural governance and the culture of village convention.