调解、诉讼与公正——对现代自由社会和儒家传统的反思

调解作为一种解决纷争的做法和制度 ,是我国传统法律文化尤其是儒家法律文化的重要部分。在现代法治社会中 ,调解否已经过时 ?本文首先介绍中国的调解传统的哲学基础、理论和实践 ,然后从现代自由主义和法治理想的角度 ,对传统的调解提出批判。本文进而指出 ,调解在当代的中国以至西方仍有顽强的生命力 ,西方学者对调解作为“解决纠纷的另类选择”之一提出了多种理论依据 ,其中不少与儒家传统的睿见不谋而合。本文的结论是 ,经过“创造性转化”后的调解理论与实践能对现代文明作出贡献 ,由此可见 ,传统文化遗产在现代仍是十分宝贵和有用的资源。

Mediation, Litigation and Justice:Confucian Reflections in a Modern Liberal Society

The practice and institution of mediation as a means of dispute settlement is an important element of traditional Chinese legal culture, particularly Confucian legal culture. Is mediation out-of-date in a modern society based on the Rule of Law? This article introduces the philosophical basis, theory and practice of the Chinese tradition of mediation, and sets out the criticisms of traditional mediation from the perspective of modern liberalism and the Rule of Law ideal. The article then points out that mediation is still alive and well in both China and the West, and discusses the defence of mediation as a means of "Alternative Dispute Resolution" developed by Western scholars. It suggests that there is convergence between such contemporary Western thought and traditional Confucian thinking. The article concludes that the theory and practice of mediation as "creatively transformed" can make a significant contribution to modern civilization, and that therefore the heritage of China's traditional culture is a valuable and useful resource for modernity.