ABSTRACT
The relational approach lays the metaphysical foundations in that individuals understand the multiplicity of worldviews (ontology), create new knowledge by applying diverse worldviews (epistemology), and judge the knowledge emerging from interaction of worldviews (axiology). This chapter articulates cultural thought processes of monistic, dualistic, and holistic worldviews and argues that the processes account for intercultural interaction. In monistic worldviews, the universe is understood as the oneness and human beings should aim to know its principles and merge themselves with it through self-cultivation. In dualistic worldviews, critical thinking draws a sharp line of demarcation of the subject-object and promotes the independent self. Overall, monistic worldviews are required to set an axiological unity towards the oneness whose given-role virtues must be practised by participants; dualistic worldviews facilitate pre-set values by assuming epistemic tensions in binary oppositions; and holistic worldviews promote an interrelated mind of individuals that focuses on an ontological whole.
