先秦儒道性论研究的两重框架

The Double Framework of the Research on the Confucianist and Taoist Theories of Nature in the Pre-Qin Period

研究儒家性论,最好使用具体属性、根本属性的框架。具体属性和根本属性的产生有先后之分。在具体属性的前提下,并无本性善或者本性恶之类的唯一选项。根本属性一旦确立,就具有了主导性、排他性和统摄性,必然走向形而上的维度。性善论、性恶论都是出于理论的需要,有意选择某种具体属性为根本属性,并将其放大为整体的结果。根本属性的出现是思想发展的必然产物,因为这可以使问题的解决简单化。研究道家性论,最好使用差异性、统一性的框架。差异性和统一性是同时产生的,都是道生万物的必然结果,统一性是道未分化时物性的整全状态,差异性是道分化后物性的个别状态。道家认为“反性复初”“全性保真”,即回归或修持事物的统一性,是进入理想境界的最佳途径,并能产生巨大的能量。而对于差异性的认识是把握事物的最佳入口,对于差异性的有效利用则是处理问题、解决矛盾的关键。

It is advisable for us to use the framework of the specific attribute and the fundamental attribute in the study of the Confucianist theory of nature.The specific attribute and the fundamental attribute are generated in sequence.Under the premise of the specific attribute,nature is not something exclusive,for example,to be inherently good or inherently evil.Once the fundamental attribute is established,however,it will become the dominant,exclusive and unified attribute,thus inevitably leading to the metaphysical dimension.For some theoretical reasons,both the Theory of Inborn Good Nature(性善论)and the Theory of Inborn Evil Nature(性恶论)are results of deliberate choice of taking a certain specific attribute as the fundamental attribute,and amplifying it so that it may represent nature as a whole.The occurrence of the fundamental attribute simplifies the problems,so it acts as an inevitable product of the ideological development.It is advisable for us to use the framework of difference and unity in the study of the Taoist theory of nature,Difference and unity are generated simultaneously,and both are the inevitable result of the generating process of Dao(道).Unity is a state in which things are complete before Dao is undifferentiated,and difference is a state in which things have individual physical properties after Dao is differentiated.Taoism believes that the best way to reach the ideal state and generate huge energy is“returning to one’s nature and to the beginning state”(反性复初)and“preserving one’s true nature”(全性保真),that is,returning to or cultivating the state of unity.Meanwhile,understanding the difference is the best way to control things.And making effective use of difference is the key to handling problems and resolving contradictions.