熊十力之反求實證的本體論

Abstract

While the basis of Xiong Shili’s (熊十力) philosophical method lies in ontology, it is mainly driven by Fa-xiang-zong’s (法相宗) concept of cognition-only which is based on the theory of “cognition-only without the existence of external objects” (唯識無境) and criticism against inferential cognition(比量) found in Western philosophy. In short, his view was that the Fa-xiang-zong’s way of understanding saw substance as non-existent, whereas Western philosophy saw it as unknowable. Only through Confucian reason and wisdom can one reflect and realize one’s own “true body” (substance). Through this line of thought, Xiong’s ontology settled as an ontology that promotes the action of disciplinary practice at its core. With a metaphysical basis in the dynamic qianyuan (乾元), Xiong constructed Tiyonglun (體用論) which sees action as its substance, and based the fundamentals of moral discipline and practice on the concept of reflection and faithfulness of Mencius. He also established an ontology of self-reflection which can only be achieved through intense discipline and practice. In this sense, his philosophy is truly a “philosophy of a holy state.” In his view, it was the first mission of philosophy to bring clarity to the substance of all things. In the present study, substance (body) and practice will be examined separately. The content of substance and the structure of philosophy will be explained within the framework of Tiyonglun philosophy, after which the methodology of discipline and practice will be presented through the ontology of self-reflection. In the conclusion, limitations of Xiong’s philosophy will be discussed. The overall subject matter is Xiong’s ontology of verification by self-reflection.