Reimagining reading with Chinese political ontology

Abstract

This article explores two predominant conceptions of reading – the Aristotelian framework from the Western traditions and the holistic dynamic approach rooted in Chinese philosophies. The Aristotelian conception emphasizes truth-seeking, knowledge acquisition, and self-fulfilment through a linear, teleological process. In contrast, the holistic dynamic conception, informed primarily by Confucian and Daoist texts, views reading as an ongoing, cyclical process of transformation, moral cultivation, and alignment with the broader milieu. Rather than treating these frameworks as oppositional, I propose a synthetic conception of reading that integrates both perspectives. This synthesis combines the pursuit of stable truths with the adaptability and moral cultivation central to the holistic dynamic approach. This article argues that such a combined framework offers a richer, more comprehensive understanding of reading as a practice that shapes individuals and societies alike. This approach holds significant implications for contemporary political theory, fostering more resilient and engaged political agents through transformative reading practices.