人们对现代性的批判常常导向对理性和启蒙的批判,认为启蒙运动就是理性运动。其实,这是一个普遍的误解。康德的启蒙概念不仅与理性、而且与责任有关,既指理性的启蒙,又指责任的启蒙。启蒙理性是负责任的理性。康德和“五四”思想家分别代表了两种启蒙观,即形式性的启蒙观和实质性的启蒙观,前者注重理性的负责任地运用,后者注重理性运用的责任目的,即为民族国家负责。在现代中国,实质性的启蒙观念与救亡观念具有某种共生性,责任是连接启蒙与救亡的中介。进入21世纪,中国的现代性任务已经从救国救亡向富国强民转移,与此相应,当代启蒙事业的方向也应该发生转换从实质性启蒙转向形式性启蒙。 People often criticize the modernity of the criticism of reason and enlightenment, and think Enlightenment is a rational movement. In fact, this is a common misunderstanding. Kant’s concept of enlightenment not only with reason, but also with responsibility, both refers to the rational enlightenment, but also accused of enlightenment. Enlightenment reason is a responsible reason. Kant and May Fourth thinkers each represented two kinds of enlightenment, formal formality of enlightenment and substantive enlightenment. The former paid attention to the rational and responsible use, while the latter focused on the rational use of the responsibility, that is, the nation-state Be responsible for. In modern China, the concept of substantive enlightenment has some symbiosis with the idea of ​​saving nation. Responsibility is the intermediary connecting enlightenment and salvation. In the 21st century, China’s task of modernity has shifted from saving the nation to saving the nation and strengthening the people. In response, the direction of contemporary enlightenment should also shift from substantive enlightenment to formal enlightenment.