‘모순’을 읽는 존재론적 눈

Abstract

Theoretically speaking, the problem of ‘being’ is inseparable from our epistemological eyes. In this paper I will try to disclose the fact that the concept of 'contradiction' is not a major problem of 'being', when compared to our problematic way of thinking. In other words, contradiction occurs within the sphere of our epistemology;all differentiations are no other than the differentiations of the mind itself. The world that we believe as an objective realm actually exists within our differentiating mind. Thus, the dichotomous distinction between subjectivity and objectivity has been constructed in an irrelevant manner, which manifests that we are epistemologically deluded. With this basic premise, I will try to focus on Confucian, Taoist, and Buddhist approaches to this issue as means to verify the validity of my theoretical assumption. In summary, such concepts of 'contradictory being' (or 'being contradictory') paradoxically presumes that our epistemological eyes themselves are problematic. In the process of restoration of ontological eyes, we will undoubtedly be benefited from the insights of the pre-modern East Asian philosophical thoughts, including I Ching, Taoism and Buddhism.