Towards a comparative process thought: from Nietzsche to ancient Chinese philosophy
Loading...
Date
2019
Authors
Burke, Ruud Thomas
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University College Cork
Published Version
Abstract
The objective of this research project is to develop a preliminary examination of an heuristic process ontology derived from an east-west comparative methodology. It attempts to trace the similarities and discontinuities of an ontological perspective in Friedrich Nietzscheās philosophy and several different strands of thought in Warring States era Chinese philosophical thought, focusing on Daoism in particular. The project traces the conclusions of these comparisons from a basic theoretical ontology to a socio-practical consideration. It concludes that in theorizing process both perspectives do not rely on traditional dichotomies that are seen in Western philosophical thought, they see the world as non-deterministic and utilize correlative thinking. The research traces further considerations in the areas of epistemology and evaluation based on these points and concludes that there is no separation between epistemology-evaluation and the underlying ontology, they are direct continuations of ontology. As a last question of theory, this research examines the consequences of comparative process ontology for language, claiming that it allows us to undermine a subjective/objective dichotomy by naturalizing language. Lastly, the theoretical groundwork of this project is applied to a number of extant philosophical issues. It attempts to resolve the dichotomy of reality and appearance as a metaphysical issue, and offers an account of how socio-political and economic issues can be theorized according to such an ontology.
Description
Keywords
Friedrich Nietzsche , Comparative philosophy , Chinese philosophy , Process philosophy
Citation
Burke, R. T. 2019. Towards a comparative process thought: from Nietzsche to ancient Chinese philosophy. PhD Thesis, University College Cork.