當代對於節制的討論，僅限於個人的維度，亦即節制做為一種個人德性，而節制的社會維度（亦即節制做為一種社會德性）卻趨於隱沒。本文試圖重新闡揚柏拉圖所析論的節制的社會維度，並在考量現代民主體制之特殊性後，給予節制做為一種社會德性以一新的定義，此即政治體或社會的構成部分的合宜的自律。本文從政治競爭與節制、政府的節制等兩方面，探討節制做為一種社會德性對現代民主過程的積極意義，並兼論當前自由主義內部紛爭的主要論題。

In Plato's Republic, there are two dimensions of temperance, i.e. temperance as an individual virtue and as a social virtue. But since Aristotle, the social dimension of temperance had become invisible, leaving its individual dimension as the sole parameter. By reworking Plato's temperance as a social virtue, this essay tries to explore how temperance can play the role of ameliorating some of the crucial and compelling problems of modern democracies. This essay also contends that the market is the core of contestations among liberals. To ascertain the proper functions and boundaries of government and thus to ensure a government of temperance, it is necessary to examine thoroughly what the market can and cannot do.