作为美国实用主义和自由主义政治哲学的代表,杜威和罗尔斯共同关注社会基本制度的设计。受康德和黑格尔影响,杜威对统一性的追求渗透到其哲学思想的各个方面,民主社会成为其构思理想社会的最终成果。通过隐藏与导师斯退士的师生关系,罗尔斯有意抹去其思想的黑格尔因素,但他对正义原则的构想,对良序社会的安排,对万民法的追求,呼应着杜威当年的相似努力。杜威把民主融入传统社会,罗尔斯则抛弃了传统社会,使正义社会具有全新的起源。在社会改革的路径选择上,杜威沿着洛克—休谟—斯密的英美温和启蒙思想路线,选择了零碎的渐进改良路径;罗尔斯沿着霍布斯—卢梭—康德—马克思的欧洲大陆启蒙思想路线,选择了根本解决的激进变革路径。这些可给中国社会治理和政治改革带来深远启示。
Among the philosophical origins of John Rawls'A Theory of Justice,one figure has always been ignored-W.T.Stace,the doctoral supervisor of Rawls at Princeton.As an expert in mysticism,Hegelian philosophy and moral psychology,Stace is decisive in the formation of Rawls' philosophy.Richard Marius attributed Rawls'loss of faith partly to his intellectual engagement with Stace's essay Man Against Darkness.As Hegel was unwelcomed in western academic world at that time,Rawls'intentional concealing of his relationship with Stace is a manifestation of his attitude towards Hegel.Religion is perceived positively in Dewey's work and plays a pivotal role constructing democratic communities.In contrast,Rawls discards religious elements such as loyalty,universal fraternity and tolerance in designing the principles of justice,his ideal society is based on a wholly new foundation.Dewey advocates a gradually progressive way of reform,following the intellectual line of Locke-Hume-Smith.Education is employed as a main means.Whereas Rawls proposes a radically fundamental social transformation,following the line of Hobbes-Rousseau-Kant-Marx,These two ways may provide some far-reaching insight for China in its social and political reform at a critical turning point.In the process of Chinese social and political reform in the new century,it is of much significance to learn from these two scholars mentioned above while adhering to Marxism.Dewey's gradual approach to social reform might be of a great help in the social construction at grassroots level,whereas John Rawls'theory of justice is valuable in Chinese political reform.Finally,a well-ordered society with democracy,freedom,fairness and justice is what Chinese people really needs today.The major inspiration which can be drawn form these two political philosophers is : political and social reform should accord with the aspiration of people and human nature.