文明对话的发展及其世界意义

不同宗教之间的“文明对话”大概是从20世纪60年代开始的。不过现在重视“文明对话”,主要是由于1993年亨廷顿提出了文明冲突的理论。亨廷顿后来承认,提出文明冲突的论点,是要强调文明对话的重要性。但很多杰出的学者已经看到这一理论非常狭隘的二分法破绽。如果要在全球化的过程中使各种不同的民族文化能够逐渐地在合而不同的背景下生存,就需要通过对话,逐渐发展出生命共同体的意愿;通过对话,大家都具有和平共处的根源意识。容忍是对话的最低要求。对话主要是了解对方,反思自我的局限性。对话的结果是互相参照,互相学习。对话的最后是“celebration of diversity”,即庆幸多样。

The Development of Civilization Dialogue and Its World Significance

Civilization dialogue between different religions probably started as early as the 1960s. However, todays emphasis on civilization dialogue comes largely from Huntington's theory of civilization conflict raised in 1993. As Huntington admitted later, he raised the idea of civilization conflict to emphasize civilization dialogue. However, many noted scholars noticed the flaws in his narrow dichotomy. If different nations and cultures intend to survive against converging yet different backgrounds in the process of globalization, they need to develop through dialogue a will to construct a life community. Through dialogue they will develop the consciousness of peaceful coexistence. Tolerance is the minimum requirement for dialogue. The chief purpose of dialogue is to understand the other party and reflect on ones own limitations. The result of dialogue is mutual reference and learning. Finally, it is the celebration of diversity.