Submitted in accordance with the requirement for the degree of M.A. at the University of Leeds, 1986
Supervisor: Dr. Ursula King, department of Theology and Religious Studies at University of Leeds
Abstract
This thesis presents the results of research into the parallels and complementary aspects of Taoist philosophy and Teilhard de Chardin’s worldview and their relationship to some important aspects of traditional and contemporary western thought.
The object of the study is to show that the world views of Taoism and Teilhard can substantially contribute to the growing awareness in the west of the universal coherence and direction of the evolutionary forces which are at work in the cosmos, on earth and in human life.
The research is developed in three parts. In Part I, thoughts on unity and distinction are investigated focussing on the notion of duality in oneness, of differentiation in union, on the concept of psychic energy as the origin of all manifestations, and on the inner and outer aspects of the phenomenal world. Also the interconnectedness between micro- and macro dimensions and the human being and nature are reviewed.
Part II looks into aspects of the phenomenon of change, emphasising the elements of time, transformation and creation. Cyclical and directional time, are related to a process of evolution and to an existing, immanent and transcendent creative force, God or Tao.
Part III relates to human values, touching on some subjects affecting daily life. The ultimate transcendence of good and evil, the universal nature of the force of love and the unique and sustaining aspects of individuality and artistic expression are among the topics treated.
On all the aspects mentioned above Taoism and Teilhard complement and confirm each other in their constructive view on human life on earth.
Read the full abstract from Op zoek here in pdf.
A Comparison of Some Major Aspects of Western Thought, Taoist Philosophy and Teilhad de Chardin