謬悠、荒唐、無端崖:想象在《莊子》中的使用與哲學意義

Abstract

《莊子》的論述始終以其奔放不囿限於經驗事實的想象與其他思想家有明顯區隔。本文目的就在於了解《莊子》為何使用豐富的想象，有哪些類型及各自功能。想象作為「虛構超越經驗實在的意象」之心靈能力，一則能解構變形當下的經驗，一則可建構經驗以外的其他可能。本文主張《莊子》之作主要有兩種想象，第一章論第一種想象：虛構不凡意象以表達其特殊主張。以巨大想象、醜怪想象的誇張之變及夢境想象與死亡想象的跨型之化為例分述。其功能在於引導讀者跳脫習慣思維進行心理轉化以理解《莊子》不同於眾的重要論題。第二章論第二種想象：創造性地發掘事物不同的可能性。論《莊子》基於懷疑判斷的真實性，與固定判斷對生命之害，建議人們透過想象不同的可能性以超越限制來轉換觀點，並創造事物更豐富的意義與價值。第三章則從《莊子》的語言觀探查其為何刻意利用想象虛構意象與矛盾隱喻來論述。得出其有鑒於語言的不確定、工具性、有限性，加上對真實確定性的懷疑以及不固定判斷的立場，而戲謔地嘗試透過故意製造的虛幻想象與矛盾對立來保護自身立場，更引誘讀者參與思考。《莊子》並非只被讀者當作對象有距離地靜靜閱讀，其藉由想象的設計，要求讀者主體的置入與其在不同層面上交融互動，讀者在試圖理解其主張之時不只需要理性能力，也必須發揮想象能力。

While Zhuangzi’s imaginative writing style is well-known, there is much less appreciation of the role imagination plays in Zhuangzi’s thought. This thesis therefore aims to investigate how and why Zhuangzi makes use of imagination to express its philosophical positions. To imagine is to create images transcending direct experience, and I suggest there are two types of imagination in Zhuangzi. One is a rhetorical device made up of unusual images, giant creatures, dreams in dreams, transformation, etc., designed to distract from and challenge ordinary ways of thinking and behaving (Chapter 1). The other type of imagination is the innovative projection of different possibilities onto things, making possible shifts in perspective. This state of open imagination discloses a space for transposition, where one can be free from a specific standpoint and transgress the most stable principles governing human values. These two types of imagination are closely tied up with Zhuangzi’s skeptical position, which questions any attempt to assert definite judgment (Chapter 2). The reason why Zhuangzi consciously uses imagination can be found in its reflection on language. Given the concern with uncertainty, instrumentality and the finiteness of language, the author weaves san yan (三言), and especially paradoxical “goblet words” (卮言), into his narratives to engage the audience into subjective understanding all while keeping a skeptical voice. This is the author’s imaginative play enticing the reader’s imagination to join (Chapter 3). It is hoped that this investigation will be helpful in discussing the philosophical value of literary forms, epistemology and ethics, as well as the topic of language in the study of Zhuangzi.