這篇文字敘述並分析1984年到1986年間國民黨與黨外勢力溝通過程中參與協調的四位學者的表現與功能。在溝通中雙方既求妥協，不使對峙惡化；但也企圖主導變局。黨外力量尤有意利用溝通組成政黨。居間溝通的四位學者任重道遠，從中斡旋，對臺灣民主化可說是盡了一份力量。

This paper presents a brief analysis of the process of Ko'tung (literally liaison, channel, good offices) between the Nationalist Party and the opposition groups under the auspices of four “neutral personages” in Taiwan in 1986. Primarily it deals with the strategy and maneuvers of the two antagonists, the efforts of the four well-known academics who soon became mediators, and the results of the enterprise. It will be argued that the mediators helped prevent a serious confrontation in a time of political polarization and contributed to the acquiescence if not the formal recognition of an opposition party. Of course, it could not, and did not guarantee a smooth transition to multiparty politics in Taiwan. The formation of the Democratic Progressive Party in September 1986, nevertheless, ushered in a new political era.

溝通;黨外;知識份子;學者;調停

Ko'tung; Tang-wai; Democratic progressive party; Neutral personages; Intellectuals