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The union of opposites: from Taoism to process theory
Author(s) -
Sabelli Hector
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
systems research and behavioral science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.371
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1099-1743
pISSN - 1092-7026
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1099-1743(1998090)15:5<429::aid-sres270>3.0.co;2-t
Subject(s) - dialectic , taoism , harmony (color) , epistemology , sociology , diversity (politics) , action (physics) , philosophy , buddhism , theology , art , physics , quantum mechanics , anthropology , visual arts
This article is an attempt to incorporate Taoist wisdom into contemporary process theory, and clinical and social philosophy. It highlights the coexistence of opposites (harmony and conflict, creation and decay, union and separation) in varying proportions, and the priority of differentiation over synthesis, and of creation over decay. Opposites are complementary, and complementaries are opposite, both synergic and antagonistic. Opposites coexist (dialectics) but separated (logic). Interacting opposites co‐create novelty, complexity and diversity. Life and culture emerge from the intercourse of opposites. Creation requires and fosters diversity. The oneness of nature is primary, but opposites separate and differentiate as the universe expands. Bifurcation and differentiation have objective and logical priority over dialectic synthesis and system formation. The current economic and cultural globalization impoverishes life insofar as it suppresses diversity. As corporations replace empires as international powers, the separation of the economy and the state from each other is a desirable and possible choice. While learning from Eastern philosophy to seek personal and social Tao, process theory also features action, ethical commitment, and co‐creation. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.