絜矩论:一个儒家思想的社会学思考

Theory of Xieju:A Sociological Reflection on Confucianism

比较西方社会学的“情境论”“交换论”与具有中国本土文化特点的“絜矩论”,能够透视对同一现象的不同解释的微妙差异。“絜矩论”的基本观点是:一个行动者理解和回应另一个行动者的关键,在内而不在外、在己而不在人、在心而不在物;外力的影响固然不可忽视,但唯有心有所感、心有所动,才更易于推己及人,实现感通和引发后续行动。“絜矩论”以儒家仁义观为思想基础,可用于解释社会行动的情感动因和情理逻辑。重返社会学的中西文化比较视野,挖掘和凝练中国思想传统中体现中国人行动取向和精神气质的概念,有助于更适切地认识中国社会和把握中国人的行动伦理。

Comparing the contexualism and exchange theory in Western sociology with the theory of zieju(application of rules and norms)featuring local Chinese culture can reveal subtle differences in various interpretations of the same phenomenon.The basic argument of the theory of rieju is that the key for an actor to understand and respond to another actor is as follow:what he thinks is more important than what he does;he should reflect upon himself rather than blame others;his heart overweights the surroundings;Despite the influence of external forces to be reckoned with,one would only by feeling and moving heart can it be easier to put himself in other's position,increase empathy,and encourage subsequent actions.Based on the Confucian concept of benevolence and righteousness,the theory of zieju can be used to explain the emotional motivations and logical reasoning behind social actions.The revisit of the comparative perspective of Chinese and Western cultures in sociology can help to better understand Chinese society and grasp the behavioral ethics of Chinese people.