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KMID : 0897020210240020045
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Korean Journal of East West Science
2021 Volume.24 No. 2 p.45 ~ p.61
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Investigation of Lao-tzu s ontology, epistemology, and value theory through the Concept of the Hyeondong
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Lee Tae-Ho
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Abstract
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The term Hyeondong appears in chapter 56 of the Lao-tzu’s Tao Te Ching. In this chapter, it is said that we must close the hole called sensory organs, and that we must close the door of judgment. That way, there is no limited form. Then we can see everything the same. This is called Hyeondong. On the other hand, this term means profound same. And it means that contradictory things are regarded as the same. In other words, it indicates that there is no discrimination in the world. The author of this paper attempts to secure, through the following three perspectives, the justification of the concepts of Hyeondong. They are ontology, epistemology, and value theory. First, it is an ontological perspective. Lao-tzu said that Tao is large in chapter 25. It suggests that contradictory things can be seen as the same or one. It means that in other for existence to exist, nonexistence must exist together. It is like that the hand has the back of the hand and palm together. Looking at the back of the hand and palm as one as a whole, and to see existence and and nonexistence as same or as one, it is Hyeondong from an ontological perspective. Second, it is an epistemological perspective. In order for existence to be recognized, nonexistence must be recognized together. It is like recognizing the night together in other to recognizing the day. In order for one side to be recognized, it is possible to recognize anything contradictory only when it is contrasted with the other side. Recognizing contradictory things as the same or as one, it is Hyeondong from the epistemological perspective. Third, it is a value-based perspective. The value of contradictory things is the same. It is like that youth and old are the same in value theory. The reason is that even contradictory things are natural phenomena. In nature, there is no superiority or inferiority. It is Hyeondong from a value-based perspective. But if we don’t have the concept of Hyeondong, we can’t escape a dichotomous idea of seeing contradictory things as two, not one. In other words, day and night are regarded as two, and that youth is considered valuable and old worthless. So, Lao-tzu says that because of this dichotomy, it is hard to live in the world and there is fierce competition.
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KEYWORD
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Hyeondong, profound same, dichotomy, ontology, epistemology, value theory
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