Eric Voegelin and Lao Tzu: The search for order

Date

1991-08

Authors

Kwon, Seon-Hee Suh

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Texas Tech University

Abstract

This is a cross-cultural study contrasting political thoughts of Eric Voegelin and Lao Tzu. Eric Voegelin argues that his political theory is based upon universal experiences. In the process of developing his theoretical arguments, Voegelin uses Chinese experiences as evidence to buttress his theory. His exposition about the Chinese case, however, focuses mainly on the Confucian interpretation of human existence and neglects the Taoist experiences, which constitute an important part of the backbone of every aspect of Chinese civilization.

Accordingly, this study examines the extent to which Voegelin's theoretical concepts and categories can be applicable in explaining and understanding the thought of Lao Tzu, who represents early Taoist thinking. For this purpose, we contrast four major themes developed by Voegelin and Lao Tzu, respectively. These are "openness toward transcendence," "human nature," "knowledge," and "political society."

A significant difference between Voegelin and Lao Tzu is manifested in their interpretations about human existence in relation to transcendent truth. Voegelin understands human existence as tension toward transcendence, whereas Lao Tzu regards it as a harmony with transcendence. This divergence also has important implications in their view of political society, especially the recognition process of political authority, which Voegelin visualizes as conflictual and Lao Tzu as harmonious.

In spite of these profound differences, Voegelin and Lao Tzu share many fundamental experiences of human living. Most importantly, Voegelin and Lao Tzu acknowledge both the finitude of human existence and human efforts to search for the infinite divine ground of existence, recognizing multidimensional aspects of human life which are comprised of material and spiritual dimensions at every level of existence, individual and collective. They also arrive at the same conclusion that true knowledge concerns the wellbeing of life as a whole. We can find in their political philosophies a common ground of human experience on which we can walk as human beings.

Description

Keywords

Philosophy, Taoist, Philosophy, Political science -- Philosophy, Transcendence (Philosophy), Confucian

Citation