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6 - Meta-relationship and the Zhongyong Dialectics

from Part II - Relation and Relationality

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 April 2018

Yaqing Qin
Affiliation:
Foreign Affairs University, Beijing
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Summary

Chapter 6 outlines the epistemological dimension of the relational theory, that is, the Chinese zhongyong dialectics. Stressing immanency and inclusivity, it goes against the laws of formal logic. Like the Hegelian dialectics it sees things in opposite poles; but unlike the Hegelian dialectics it assumes relations between the two poles are non-conflictual and co-evolve through a harmonizing interactive process into a new synthesis or a new form of life, containing elements from both and unable to be reduced to either. The relationship of relationships, or the meta-relationship, is that between yin and yang, which interact in an immanently inclusive way. Taking harmony as the primary state of nature and human society, it interprets conflict as progressive steps toward harmony. In the zhongyong dialectics, there are no longer thesis and anti-thesis, but the co-theses of yin and yang with each inside the other. Identity is created not with an antagonist other but with circles of friends and co-evolution develops without mutual elimination or assimilation, but with complementary mutuality. It provides a new view to understand relations in a plural and pluralistic world.
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Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2018

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