統(tǒng)類 Universal Principles
統(tǒng)括分別之物的法則。這一術(shù)語出自《荀子》。荀子認為,通過對事物的分類區(qū)別以及對不同類別事物的把握,圣人可以獲得統(tǒng)括天下事物的普遍法則?!敖y(tǒng)類”保證了不同類別的事物在統(tǒng)一的秩序之中獲得安頓與規(guī)范,同時也可以將新出現(xiàn)的事物納入既有的秩序中來。
First proposed in the book Xunzi, this term refers to fundamental principles which apply to different things. It means that by differentiating things according to their categories and by understanding these categories, a sage could acquire universal principles which apply to all things. By following universal principles, one can ensure that different categories of things can all find their proper places within a unified order. At the same time, new things can also be integrated into the existing order.
引例 Citations:
◎倚物怪變,所未嘗聞也,所未嘗見也,卒然起一方,則舉統(tǒng)類而應之。(《荀子·儒效》)
怪異事物和詭異變化,如果從來沒有聽說過,從來沒有見到過,突然于某處出現(xiàn),那么可以通過統(tǒng)括事物類別的法則來應對。
If strange things and developments which have never been heard of or seen before suddenly appear, they can be dealt with by applying universal principles. (Xunzi)
◎多言則文而類,終日議其所以,言之千舉萬變,其統(tǒng)類一也:是圣人之知也。(《荀子·性惡》)
言論雖多但有文采而且條理分類清晰,整日議論的都是其立論的依據(jù),他的言語雖千變?nèi)f化,但其統(tǒng)括事物類別的法則是唯一的:這就是圣人的認知。
His statements are many but they are always graceful and proper, and his classification is clear. Everyday, he expounded on his views. Though he expressed his beliefs in many ways, he is always guided by universal principles that apply to all things: this is how a sage observes the world. (Xunzi)
推薦:教育部 國家語委
供稿:北京外國語大學 外語教學與研究出版社
責任編輯:錢耐安