第 35 节
作者:寻找山吹      更新:2024-04-07 21:07      字数:3479
  us its irrevocable veto: There shall be no war。 So there ought to be
  no war; neither between me and you in the condition of nature; nor
  between us as members of states which; although internally in a
  condition of law; are still externally in their relation to each other
  in a condition of lawlessness; for this is not the way by which any
  one should prosecute his right。 Hence the question no longer is as
  to whether perpetual peace is a real thing or not a real thing; or
  as to whether we may not be deceiving ourselves when we adopt the
  former alternative; but we must act on the supposition of its being
  real。 We must work for what may perhaps not be realized; and establish
  that constitution which yet seems best adapted to bring it about
  (mayhap republicanism in all states; together and separately)。 And
  thus we may put an end to the evil of wars; which have been the
  chief interest of the internal arrangements of all the states
  without exception。 And although the realization of this purpose may
  always remain but a pious wish; yet we do certainly not deceive
  ourselves in adopting the maxim of action that will guide us in
  working incessantly for it; for it is a duty to do this。 To suppose
  that the moral law within us is itself deceptive; would be
  sufficient to excite the horrible wish rather to be deprived of all
  reason than to live under such deception; and even to see oneself;
  according to such principles; degraded like the lower animals to the
  level of the mechanical play of nature。
  It may be said that the universal and lasting establishment of peace
  constitutes not merely a part; but the whole final purpose and end
  of the science of right as viewed within the limits of reason。 The
  state of peace is the only condition of the mine and thine that is
  secured and guaranteed by laws in the relationship of men living in
  numbers contiguous to each other; and who are thus combined in a
  constitution whose rule is derived not from the mere experience of
  those who have found it the best as a normal guide for others; but
  which must be taken by the reason a priori from the ideal of a
  juridical union of men under public laws generally。 For all particular
  examples or instances; being able only to furnish illustration but not
  proof; are deceptive; and at all events require a metaphysic to
  establish them by its necessary principles。 And this is conceded
  indirectly even by those who turn metaphysics into ridicule; when they
  say; as they often do: 〃The best constitution is that in which not men
  but laws exercise the power。〃 For what can be more metaphysically
  sublime in its own way than this very idea of theirs; which
  according to their own assertion has; notwithstanding; the most
  objective reality? This may be easily shown by reference to actual
  instances。 And it is this very idea; which alone can be carried out
  practically; if it is not forced on in a revolutionary and sudden
  way by violent overthrow of the existing defective constitution; for
  this would produce for the time the momentary annihilation of the
  whole juridical state of society。 But if the idea is carried forward
  by gradual reform and in accordance with fixed principles; it may lead
  by a continuous approximation to the highest political good; and to
  perpetual peace。
  …THE END…