吉首大学学报（社会科学版）2026，Vol.47Issue(2)：98-105,8.DOI:10.13438/j.cnki.jdxb.2026.02.011
论哲人之事功
On the Deeds of the Philosopher:Philosophy and Politics in Plato's Apology of Socrates
摘要
Abstract
The philosopher is by no means idle;philosophical contemplation and writing constitute a profound form of action.In seeking and defending truth,philosophers render essential service to the ethical sustenance of the community.The notion of"non-action"(wu-wei)signifies not passivity but the proper fulfillment of one's role—when each performs their duty,harmony prevails in the world.Socrates'abstention from direct political engagement may appear as withdrawal,yet it was neither self-serving nor mere personal cultivation;rather,it embodied a selfless commitment to the city-state's moral fabric.This paradox epitomizes the fundamental tension between philosophy and politics:philos-ophy cannot directly serve the city's immediate interests,and the political life,grounded in the mean,resists philosophy's radical demands.Nevertheless,the philosopher cannot disengage from the city.How philosophy may support the polis—and how the polis ought to receive philosophy—requires ex-ceptional political wisdom.Human existence is inherently ek-static,an outward projection beyond the self;thus,the philosopher's self-actualization must be rooted in worldly engagement.Contemplation it-self is a supreme deed,whose significance lies in legislating for human life—the highest expression of"action through non-action".By distancing himself from mundane affairs,the philosopher better serves the city,establishing teachings grounded in the fundamental Way,elevating the soul's quality,and ori-enting human conduct.The philosopher links the heavenly Way above,embodies the kingly Way at the center,and nurtures human order below.At least in the domain of education—the foremost concern of classical political philosophy—the philosopher bears the weighty responsibility of shaping and preser-ving society.Hence,compared with direct political participation,genuine philosophy possesses a dis-tinct dignity and represents a higher form of life.关键词
哲人/事功/城邦/孔子/柏拉图/苏格拉底/生活方式/《苏格拉底的申辩》Key words
philosopher/deeds/city-state/Confucius/Plato/Socrates/form of life/Apology of Socrates分类
社会科学引用本文复制引用
程志敏..论哲人之事功[J].吉首大学学报（社会科学版）,2026,47(2):98-105,8.基金项目
国家社会科学基金重大项目(24&ZD299) （24&ZD299）
