ABSTRACT

This chapter is the first one in Part II: “Case Analyses” of the theoretic exploration of foundational and methodological issues from Part I. I give a cross-tradition engaging examination of the yin-yang and Hegelian models of how to look at the interaction and transformation of contraries as two representative and two of the most influential methodological guiding strategies in looking at the due relation between contraries, in the Chinese and Western traditions respectively. My goal is to explain how the two models can talk to each other and effectively serve as two complementary models of the adequate methodological guiding principle. After first spelling out the general strategy and engaging features of this and subsequent case analyses, I examine the yin-yang methodological model as suggested in the Yi-Jing text through the Yi-Jing philosophy (especially in view of its metaphysical foundation and truth-concern basis); I then present the basic methodological points of the Hegelian model, as suggested in Hegel’s philosophy, explaining some of its methodological points that are especially philosophically interesting and engaging. Finally, I discuss how it is possible for the yin-yang model to work together with the Hegelian model and suggest an overall-complementarity-seeking account of how to look at the due relation of contraries.