화해와 용서의 실천적 시론

Abstract

This study includes the aim to examine the process by which a wound, or “memories of sadness”, can be remedied by practicing “reconciliation and forgiveness” as a means to attain a peaceful death. As for the first process, we should pay attention to the wound. In numerous cases, the wounds inflicted by the other person and the hurt inflicted on the I are subjective. Therefore, regardless of the intention of the other party, they “reconstruct the wound” with their “cognitive schema” and “self-causal method”. Consequently, they commit the error of category sequencing and are confined in their thoughts and actions within the limits of self-identity. However, to practice reconciliation and forgiveness, empathy and understanding of the differences from the other (différance) is required. To that end, delving into a third position (C), which is neither that of the so-called perpetrator’s logic (A) nor that of the victim’s logic (B) becomes necessary. The third position negates all (neither A nor B), sometimes becoming each other’s position (either A or B), and seeks out the subject’s place (C). Its place (C) means nothingness, which corresponds to the absence of ego, selflessness, or in-betweenness. When the subject is positioned in the empty set, the mental attitude of “as if not” is maintained. In this manner, breaking away from the self-causal system of recognition and deciding by acknowledging and accepting the other’s differences becomes possible (différance). Consequently, the place of nothingness soon becomes a platform for practicing reconciliation and a position where the subject signifies the wound. In this way, the “signification” of the wound would be a means of emptying oneself, and forgiveness follows and heals the wound. When reconciliation is finally achieved, the other would be hosted wholeheartedly.