孟德斯鳩與節制的現代性

Montesquieu and a Moderate Modernity

本文試圖以孟德斯鳩（Charles de Secondat, baron de Montesquieu）著作中的關鍵概念「節制」為出發點，整體性地理解他的學說。作者認為，孟德斯鳩通過構建與「專制」相對立的「節制」理想類型展開其理論；其中，法與自由的關係是他節制思想的重中之重，但節制的複雜性必須放在孟氏所謂「法的精神」的條件下才能夠得到容納。「法的精神」統合分化的人類活動領域，得以維持尋求秩序與自由的不確定之間的張力，並形成了禮俗與風俗領域的客觀性，其代表模式是貿易和君主制。節制的現代性意味著行動空間的創設和法的規制，其核心是抵制專制的侵蝕，使自由得以安置。同時自由的多個層面也成為節制的行動空間得以維繫的重要條件。但節制的現代性同樣具有其內在脆弱性，最大危險在於不同人類活動領域間張力的消失，將會導致行動空間的覆滅。

This paper attempts to comprehensively investigate Montesquieu's theory via studying the key concept, moderation, in his works. The author holds that Montesquieu develops his theory by virtue of constructing the ideal type ＂moderation＂ in opposition to ＂despotism＂. The relationship between laws and liberty structures Montesquieu's notion of moderation, whose complexity can unfold merely under the condition of what Montesquieu called the ＂spirit of the laws＂. The spirit of laws integrates differentiated domains of human action, and moderation enables the tension between order and the indefiniteness of liberty to be sustainable. Furthermore, moderation also shapes the objectivity of mores and manners (commerce and monarchy are two exemplar modes). A moderate modernity means the establishment of the space of action and the creation of the regulation of the laws. Under such conditions, the key point is to resist the encroachment of despotism and to make liberty available. Meanwhile, the multiple directions of liberty are also indispensable for the subsistence of the space of action. However, there is certain vulnerability inherent in this moderate modernity; the greatest danger will be the disappearance of tension among domains of human action, which may result in the demise of the space of action.