老子的德性理论

On Laozi’s Virtue Ethics

老子不仅依据形而上的"道"来沉思人类生活的终极目的,而且也由此形成了自己独特的德性理论体系。按照老子的观点,真正意义上的德性或"德"是合乎"道"的品质,其实质则体现在一个人能够遵循"无为"和"自然"原则来调节自己的生活。此外,在使用"无为"和"自然"原则解释德性之实质、基本特征的同时,老子也一再强调,认识"道"或天地万物之本原和本性是真正意义上的德性得以产生的前提条件。

Based on the metaphysical way,Laozi not only contemplates the ultimate purpose of human life,but also thereby forms his unique virtue ethics.According to Laozi’s point of view,the real virtue or"De"must correspond to the"Dao",and its essence is reflected in a person ability to adjust his/her life according to the principle of"Wuwei"and"Ziran".Moreover,Laozi also repeatedly emphasizes that the knowledge about origin and nature of the universe is the precondition for achieving the real virtue.