摘要
当西方传教士在明末清初之际介绍西方四元素的同时,也对五行理论提出一些批评.四元素的观念和五行学说两者是截然不同的逻辑,一个是谈论构成万物的基本元素,另外一个则是着重于系统内各单元相互影响及变化的理论.五行学说具有中国自然哲学的特色,金木水火土只是一种系统的符号,它们有相互生克的运行关系,正是延续《周易》生生化化的思想.另外,五行学说的建立常常与王朝更换、做人处事及王者统治相对照,这也正显示了中国自然哲学中天人合一的特色.
As the Western Christian missionaries introduced the Greek theories of the four elements during the end of the Ming dynasty and the arising of the Qing dynasty, they also provided a few constructive criticisms regarding the Five Phase Theory. This problem basically sprouts from their entirely different logic. One discusses the basic elements comprising creation, while the other focuses on the reasoning of the interaction and changes between the single units in the system. The Five Phase theory possesses the distinct characteristics of Chinese natural philosophy. Metal, wood, water, fire, and earth are only kinds of a systematic symbol. They have a life and death functional relationship, continuing I-ching＇s idea of change. Al- so, the establishment of the Five Phase theory usually varies according to the dynasty, ethics and governance. This also reflects the characteristic of Chinese natural philosophy as a unification of all kinds of things.
出处
《广西民族学院学报（自然科学版）》
CAS
2005年第3期27-32,共6页
Journal of Guangxi University For Nationalities(Natural Science Edition)
关键词
五行说
四元素
《周易》
中国自然哲学
the five phase theorg
the four elements
Chinese natural philosophy
