Reflections On The Controversy Over The Ecological Significance Of The Unity Of Nature And Man

There has been a heated debate on whether "Unity of man and nature" has ecological meaning.Trying to prove the ecological meaning from the different angles,some scholars interpret the idea as the man’s harmonious survival with the nature.On the other hand,other scholars attach the importance of the idea to the human relations according to feudal ethics instead of those of men and nature,aiming to build the moral outlook and protect the feudal ruling in the name of the heaven authority.Thus,some scholars are cautious about the ecological meaning of "Unity of man and nature"Though the suspicious scholars are justified in semantics,ideological history and study orientation,the ecological meaning of the "Unity of man and nature" cannot be completely denied.Some scholars,for example,brush the idea’s ecological meaning aside with the ecological disasters,which outlooks the converse logical possibility that it is the decline of the "Unity of man and nature" that leads to the ecological disasters.The affirmative scholars defend the idea’s ecological meaning by interpreting the classics,citing the ancient legal institutions.Unfortunately,due to the unclear logical chain and inadequate argumentation,many an ecological thoughts are not associated with the "Unity of man and nature" directly,which has a whiff of over-reading,though some contents demonstrate its potential contributions to the ecological protection as by promoting the reverence to the nature and systematic philosophical outlook.To avoid the highfalutin theory,this paper analyses the ecological meaning in the practical condition of ecological study and administration,fulfilling its actual function.Furthermore,this paper shows the ecological meaning of "Unity of man and nature" in different levels and aspects through its contribution to the ecology.Finally,this paper defines the ecological meaning and practical function of "Unity of man and nature"----improving the reverence toward Nature and fostering the integral philosophical ideology,reaching the perfection of the spiritual state by self-improvement,thus changing and influencing the modern culture,thinking set and values to restrain and guide human behaviors.At the same time,it can hinder the environmental protection,improve the self-cure of the ecological system,realize the resurrection of the ecological system and lay foundations for the artificial recovery and reconstruction of the ecological system.Meanwhile,"Unity of man and nature" may contribute to the ambit concerning the man-nature relationship,even play a role in finding the high-level reason for the ecological deterioration.