pISSN: 1229-0750
대동철학 (2008)
pp.409~423
Epistemology for a Harmonized World Order
Our attitude and behavior toward the world have been formed under the different education system according to the ages and civilizations. We can see the main ideas leading this education in the epistemological theories. Reviewing the history of epistemology, it is easily found that Western traditional philosophies, until the end of the 19th century, have neither crossed the threshold of the unconsciousness, nor had the conception of interpenetrating world. It means that the basic way of thinking, underlying the Western civilization, about human being and its relation to the world has been misled along the wrong direction. A rigorous epistemological studies should be recommenced by rediscovering the forgotten realities of the invisible world and unconscious self. A new explanation of what we are, and of what relation is between us and nature will make possible a new mode of living together. Naturally this change should inspire the world politics through the international academic cooperations. Theory implies reality. In this context, we are to focus our attention onthe Asian traditional ideal of unifying heaven, earth, and man. This teaching which has founded Asian cultures present a striking contrast to the Western way of living. We can find in ancient Siberian shamanism an original intuition which has made this contrast. It is important to note that Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism share together this original intuition. But the Western civilization inherit the legacy of the myths of Dragon slayer. It can neither endure, nor tolerate the otherness. So, in our Glocal age, the Western civilization cannot play any more the leading role in world affairs. In this paper, we will see what kind of fundamental awakening, what kind of intuition of verity has inspired the formation of Asian cultures and religions. Our academic efforts will be able to give an answer to the question 'Why we are discussing Asian Community today?'.