公平与仁爱之间:孟子仁道正义思想刍议

Between Fairness and Benevolence: A Discussion of Mencius' Thought on Benevolence and Justice

古代中国对“正义”的讨论最早可以追溯到先秦时期。孔子以“仁”作为儒家学派道德规范的最高原则,孟子继承了孔子“仁”的观念和思想,并发展出“仁、义、礼、智”四种道德规范价值,其中的“义”便体现着孟子的正义观。作为儒家正义论的重要组成部分和典型形态,孟子提出一种“仁”和“义”并行不悖的仁道正义观:一方面,仁道正义集中体现了儒家追寻正义、注重公平、呼吁平等的基本精神;另一方面,仁道正义又体现出儒家尊重生命,提倡仁爱的利他情怀,表达了儒家对“鳏寡孤独废疾者,皆有所养”理想社会的美好憧憬。因此,孟子的仁道正义观是正义与仁爱的耦合体,表现出正义与仁爱的双重价值维度。研究孟子的仁道正义思想,对于拓展儒家正义理论、展现中国传统正义观的独特价值具有重要意义。

The discussion of"justice"in ancient China began in the preQin period.Confucius took"benevolence"as the highest principle of Confucian moral code.Mencius inherited Confucius'concept and thought of"benevolence"and developed four moral code values of"benevolence,righteousness,propriety and wisdom".The"righteousness"here reflects Mencius'view of justice.As an important part and typical form of the Confucian theory of justice,Mencius put forward a concept of justice of benevolence as important as justice:on the one hand,benevolence justice embodies the Confucian spirit of pursuing justice,paying attention to fairness and calling for equality;on the other hand,benevolence and justice also reflect the Confucian respect for life,advocate the feelings of benevolence,and express the Confucian vision of the ideal society of"the state should help all the weak".Therefore,Mencius'concept of benevolence and justice is the combination of justice and benevolence,showing the two values of justice and benevolence.It is of great significance to study Mencius'thoughts of benevolence and justice to expand the Confucian theory of justice and show the unique value of Chinese traditional view of justice.