从和谐与差异视角看中西文明交流互鉴

Mutual Learning and Respect between Chinese and Western Civilizations from the Perspective of Harmony and Difference

由于自然环境、历史传统和发展阶段的缘故,不同国家都孕育了不同的文化,也都有不同的意识形态或文明观,这就是文明的差异性之所在。特殊性是存在论意义上的属性,而普遍性是作为共性的抽象以观念形态存在的。中国文化特别强调文明之间“和而不同”的交往原则,而西方一神论的传统却对多样性采取否定性态度。但是,中西文明并非相互排的,可以而且有必要进行交流互鉴。例如,莱布尼茨的预定和谐论是建立在对差异性及事物之间连续性的认识基础上的,这种认识可以与中国“和而不同”的文明观找到契合点。在和而不同的语境中,差异性不仅应该是被尊重的现实性,而且它也具有积极的生成性意义,即促进人类共同体的和谐。本文认为,西方应该从莱布尼茨哲学汲取智慧,走尊重差异的文明交往之道。

Due to their natural geographical environment,historical traditions and stages of development,different countries have nurtured different cultures and varied ideologies or views of civilization,in which the diversity of civilization lies.Particularities are attributes in the ontological sense,while universality as an abstraction of commonality exists in the conceptual form.Chinese culture especially emphasizes the principle of"harmony in diversity"among civilizations,whereas the western monotheistic tradition takes a negative attitude towards diversity.However,they are not mutually exclusive.On the contrary,they can and must gain the mutual understanding and learning.For instance,Leibniz's theory of predetermined harmony is based on the understanding of differences and continuity between things,which can help the West find a point of convergence with the Chinese view of civilization-"harmony in diversity".In the context of"harmony in diversity",keeping diversity should not only be treated as respected reality,but also be understood as the positive and generative meaning,i.e.,to promote the harmony of the human community.This paper argues that the West should draw wisdom from Leibniz's philosophy and take the path of mutual learning which respects differences of civilizations.