功利主义理论体系的逻辑结构

The Logical Structure of Utilitarian Theory System

功利主义是一种具有复杂结构的理论体系,它由三个层次的理论即价值理论、伦理理论和政治理论所构成。功利主义价值理论界定基本价值,选择最大价值作为个体行动的目标。功利主义伦理理论协调个体之间的利益关系,要求每个个体平等地看待自我利益和他人利益并维护其中的最大利益。功利主义政治理论为群体行动设定目标和原则,依据能否产生最大群体利益对公共事务进行选择和决策。三个层次的理论之间既有区分又有联系,价值理论探讨个体行动目标的选择问题,政治理论研究群体行动目标的设定问题,而伦理理论试图将个体目标和群体目标统一在一起。功利主义理论体系内部存在个体立场和群体立场的分歧,导致其自身出现难以弥合的结构性矛盾。

Utilitarianism is a theoretical system with a complex structure,which consists of three levels of theories,namely value theory,ethical theory and political theory.The utilitarian value theory defines basic values and selects the greatest value as the goal of individual action.The utilitarian ethical theory coordinates the interests of individuals,requiring each individual to treat self-interest and the interests of others equally and maintain the best interests among them.Utilitarian political theory sets goals and principles for group action,and makes choices and decisions about public affairs based on whether or not the greatest group benefit can be generated.There are distinctions and connections between the three levels of theories.Value theory discusses the choice of individual action goals,political theory studies the setting of group action goals,and ethical theory attempts to unify individual goals and group goals.There are differences between individual standpoints and group standpoints within the theoretical system of utilitarianism,which leads to its own structural contradictions that are difficult to bridge.