性·神·电:康有为人性论新解

Human Nature,Spirit,and Electricity:A New Interpretation of Kang Youwei's Theory of Human Nature

康有为早期曾持自然人性论,大赞“生之谓性”一说,在改制的政治诉求下肯定人的欲望。自身思想转向之后,他又偏爱起性善论,试图以此通向人类社会的大同未来。而在性善论的框架下,“神”与“电”两个概念受到了原创性地改造,二者搭建出一条走向性善的理论进路。“神”禀受于天,既是人主体之道德精神,又升为形而上纯善之性体。“电”为形而下者,人之求善则当修电。康有为在“神电”关系的论述中存在着纰漏,但也呈现出了独具时代表征和自身特质的人性论诠释。

In his early days,Kang Youwei held the theory of natural humanity,praised"what is inborn is called nature",and affirmed human desire under the political demands of reform.After his thoughts turned,however,he preferred the theory of original goodness of human nature,trying to lead to the future of great harmony of human society.Under the framework of the theory,"spirit"and"electricity"have been innovatively reformed,and they set up a theoretical path towards the goodness of nature."Spirit"is endowed by heaven,which is not only the moral spirit of human subject,but also the metaphysical body of pure goodness."Electricity"is transformed into the physical use of"spirit",and people's pursuit of goodness should be achieved through the enhancement of electricity.Although there are many flaws in the juxtaposition of"spirit"and"electricity",these do not prevent his thoughts from greatly expanding the external style,showing his unique characteristics.