Tonghak Ecofeminist Epistemology

Abstract

This article attempts to develop a Tonghak ecofeminist epistemology as a way of grappling with the global crisis of ecology and justice. Identifying one of root causes of the global crisis as the Western dualistic mode of knowing, I introduce the Eastern Lemma logic of tolerance in juxtaposition to the Western logos logic of intolerance. In comparison to the Hegelian positive dialectics of reason I suggest the negative dialectics of the Mādhyamaka and the negative-positive dialectics of Māhāyāna Buddhism as a non-dual middle path of intuition. I then address the logic of Pulyo˘n Kiyo˘n of Tonghak as a Korean dialectic of negative identity of śūnyatā (emptiness) and tathatā (suchness). Finally, I envision a Tonghak ecofeminist critical reconstructive dialectics as a Korean ecofeminist epistemology in apprehending ultimate truth.