可能的恶与现实的恶——基于康德与阿伦特“根本恶”理论的反思

The Potential for Evil and the Actuality of Evil:A Reflection on Kant and Arendt′s Theory of "Radical Evil"

康德与阿伦特对“根本恶”理论的思考,提供了理解恶的两个关键维度:可能的恶与现实的恶。康德的“根本恶”理论在先验领域内确立了人作恶的可能性,而阿伦特则认为极权主义所代表的“根本恶”是无法被理解的现实中的恶。“恶的平庸性”概念的提出,代表着阿伦特对恶的思考发生了转向,即从现实的恶出发去探寻恶何以可能。面对现实的恶,要避免将其仅理解为与善相对立的实体,以免陷入“恶魔神话”之中。康德与阿伦特一致坚持对恶进行“祛魅”,他们认为恶的可能性在于人的自由意志。但这种观点并非神义论的变体,它揭示了人作为道德存在者的本质及其不可推卸的道德责任。尽管自由意志表明人类有无法摆脱的“根本恶”,但它也为人们抵制邪恶提供了可能。

Kant and Arendt′s contemplation on the theory of "Radical Evil" provides two key dimensions for understanding the nature of evil:the potential for evil and the actuality of evil.Kant′s theory of "Radical Evil" establishes the potentiality of human malevolence within the realm of the transcendental,whereas Arendt considers the "Radical Evil" represented by totalitarianism as an unfathomable evil in reality.The emergence of the concept of the "Banality of Evil " signifies Arendt′s pivotal shift in thought,probing into the possibility of evil from the vantage point of its actual manifestation.To confront the reality of evil,it is essential to not merely perceive it as an entity opposed to good,lest we fall into the trap of the "demon myth".United in their endeavor to "demystify" evil,both Kant and Arendt propose that the potentiality of evil is rooted in human free will.This perspective is not a derivative of theodicy;instead,it reveals the essence of humans as moral beings and their undeniable moral obligations.While free will denotes an inescapable "Radical Evil" within humanity,it also equips us with the strength and hope to resist evil.