《老子》器论中的造物思想新探

• 作者： 石超 ¹
• 作者单位：
  1.  中国石油大学（华东）
• 通讯作者： 石超 
• 发布时间：2025-03-26

摘要: 《老子》对于器并非只有消极的态度，恰恰相反，其对器的概念有着精确的界定，对其内涵亦有明晰的区分。总体来看，所有的器皆由朴散而成，但散的方式不同会分化出制朴之器与割朴之器；而从使用的目的与方法的角度来看，则又可分出“为目”之器与“为腹”之器。依此分类，《老子》对制朴、“为腹”之器一皆肯定；对割朴、“为目”之器虽然报以备物慎用的高度警惕的态度，但在不得已的情况之下还是承认要不得不用；不过前提有二，其一是使用的目的必须是养天下之苍生，其二是使用的方法必须是顺道无为且辅物自化，典型一例，就是“以丧礼处之”而负负得正的“以奇用兵”。但无论是用与不用，其评判的终极标准，均不在于器之本身，而是在于制器、用器的人，更在于其人能否具备道法自然之用心。由此出发，可以发现《老子》所壁画的世界图式，其实是一个着重强调“道生人成”“天工人代”的人化自然整体，是一个原始自然与人工世界圆融统一的“大自然”。

Abstract: "Laozi" does not hold a solely negative view of artificial objects; rather, it precisely defines the concept of artificial objects and clearly delineates their connotations. Fundamentally, all artificial objects originate from "simplicity" (朴), yet they diverge in various ways. These can be categorized into "artificial objects created by dispersing simplicity" (制朴之器) and "artificial objects resulting from dividing simplicity" (割朴之器). From the standpoint of purpose and method of use, they can be further divided into "artificial objects meant to fulfill visible excessive desires" ("为目"之器) and "artificial objects meant to satisfy essential needs such as sustenance" ("为腹"之器). According to this classification, "Laozi" endorses all "artificial objects created by dispersing simplicity" and all "artificial objects meant to satisfy essential needs." It remains cautious about "artificial objects resulting from dividing simplicity" and "artificial objects meant to fulfill visible excessive desires," yet acknowledges that these objects are to be used as a last resort in necessary situations. However, there are two conditions: the purpose of use must be to enable all humanity to live, develop, and exist better, and the method of use must adhere to the Taoist principle of "acting in accordance with the Tao without contrivance," and also "aiding natural things in their self-transformation." A prime example is the use of weapons in a just war; even if victory is attained, the outcome should be treated with solemnity, as if it were a funeral. Whether employed or not, the ultimate criterion for judgment is not the artifact itself, but the person who manufactures and utilizes it, and more importantly, whether he or she possesses a heart that emulates the laws of nature. From this angle, it becomes evident that the worldview depicted in "Laozi" is an inseparable unity, imbued with the marks of human endeavor, emphasizing "the Tao generates all things, and people help to complete them" and "the workmanship of heaven must be realized by people," a "Great Nature" that harmoniously merges the primordial natural world with the artificial world.

• 来自： 石超
• 分类： 哲学 >> 中国哲学
• 稿件状态： 未投稿
• 引用： PSSXiv:202503.03173 (或此版本 PSSXiv:202503.03173V1)
  DOI:10.12451/202503.03173
  CSTR:32012.36.PSSXiv.202503.03173
• 推荐引用方式： 石超.《老子》器论中的造物思想新探.哲学社会科学预印本平台:https://zsyyb.cn/abs/202503.03173.[PSSXiv:202503.03173V1] (点此复制)