东西方的中庸思想(英文)

【摘要】：正This paper falls under the heading of comparative philosophy.It's focus is upon the development of the doctrine of the Mean both in ancient China and also in ancient Greece.There are striking similarities between the two traditions.My effort here is to concentrate upon similarity and difference in the structure of their theories of the Mean.There is one difference which I wish to emphasize at the beginning of the paper and then fit the account of that difference into a comparison of the ways in which the Mean assumes the forms of virtues,several of which are common to both ancient traditions.When two expressions of philosophical genius - expressions arising almost simultaneously without evident interaction - bring forth similar teachings,it is easy and right to assume that those teachings are of universal interest and value and which can serve as a partial basis not only for harmony between peoples who have been fortunate enough to inherit the ancient traditions but for harmony and understanding among all peoples.Why this harmony should be universally possible is a question the answer to which will gradually emerge.The parallel traditions which I have specifically in mind are those of Confucius,Mengzi,and Xunzi,on the one hand,and,on the other,Pythagoras,Plato,and Aristotle.[Dates are provided in the paper itself.]