From the view of the source of philosophy,rationalism and skepticism constitute two different ways and contexts of philosophical thoughts .In each subsequent course of development,rationalist philosophy moves gradually towards dogmatism,monism and realism because of its commitment to the pursuit of certainty .Under the influence and inspiration of modern natural science achievements,rationalist philosophy attempts to build a perfect earthly paradise in the world by virtue of the political methods,but results in bad political consequences of totalitarianism .As another branch of philosophy,skepticism takes questioning and critiquing rationalism as its own responsibility and mission from the beginning,examining and deconstructing the various forms of dogmatism which rationalism may bring . Therefore,to explore and reveal the political implication of skeptical philosophy has the positive significance and value for preventing and weakening the excessive effect of rationalism in politics to a certain extent . ″Suspicion″is a word implying″exploration″and″reflection .″Therefore,skepticism refers to a kind of exploration spirit which has the characteristics of profound reflection,not only in the narrow sense referring to the rational arrogance and rashness,but also in the broad sense examining the various objects and established conclusions in the world .Skepticism refuses blind confidence and obedience,reflects on humankind and their living world,with a questioning and critical attitude,carrying on continued inquiry and reflection to a variety of seemingly self-evident premises and bases of established conclusion for clarifying concept,straightening out logic and ascertaining conclusion .We can even say that skepticism is more in line with the original meaning of philosophy : loving wisdom . Since the Sophists,skepticism always exists implicitly or explicitly in the entire development history of philosophy . As to questioning and deconstructing the political idea of rationalist philosophy,skeptical philosophy makes the opposite principles to refute it . First,rationalism has an optimistic,positive attitude towards human nature,believing that human nature can be perfected;but skepticism holds a pessimistic,gloomy impression for human nature,denying the possibility of human nature's perfection .Second,rationalism believes that reason is omnipotent,therefore it can realize the comprehensive control and planning for nature and society;but skepticism holds that reason is limited,and it should be used moderately,without going too far . Third,rationalism believes that there exists a perfect way of life for everyone which can surely be realized eventually;but skepticism believes that the human way of life is full of varieties and differences ontologically,and there is no perfect way of life for each individuals . Skeptical philosophy reminds that humans in the political field should express their ability as human,raising political objectives prudently,exercising political power moderately and treating political speech tolerantly . Just as to prevent rationalism from moving to dogmatism,we should also prevent skepticism from sliding into anti-rationalism in the epistemology or nihilism in the theory of value because of its continued doubting attitude .
万斌 刘彦朝. 怀疑主义哲学的政治意蕴[J]. 浙江大学学报(人文社会科学版), 2014, 44(3): 175-186.
Wan Bin Liu Yanchao. The Political Meanings in Skeptical Philosophy. JOURNAL OF ZHEJIANG UNIVERSITY, 2014, 44(3): 175-186.