同情、美德与秩序——亚当·斯密同情概念析论

在所谓"斯密问题"的理论定势中,同情往往被读解成一种行为动机,斯密却赋予同情概念以颇为特殊的含义.公正旁观者的同情作为一种普遍性的道德评价尺度,不仅成为道德赞许或责难的基础,也诠释了美德的本质及其特征.而其所内涵的对合宜性的道德诉求,更体现了对保持社会秩序与和谐的崇高冲动,这对当下社会和谐与市场社会的道德需求而言,仍具有重要的启示性意义.

An Analysis of Adam Smith''s Concept of Sympathy

According to the doctrine of the so-called "Adam Smith problem",sympathy is often explained as a motive for human action.However,Smith gives it a special meaning.The impartial spectator's sympathy,which,as the general criterion of moral evaluation,not only becomes the basis of moral approbation or censure,but also explains the nature and character of virtue,contains the moral pursuit of the propriety which keeps the sublime impulse for the social order and harmony,thus,this view has its great revelatory sig...