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The Limits of Language: How Words Kill Truth in Laozi and Nietzsche

                                The Limits of Language: How Words Kill Truth in Laozi and Nietzsche (Myke Ian A. Hechanova) Laozi’s statement, “The Dao that can be spoken is not the eternal Dao” (1988), and Nietzsche’s phrase, “God is dead” (1974), both point to the idea that human language limits and distorts truth. They come from different traditions—Daoism in the East and Western philosophy in the West—but both suggest that trying to define something too much can actually destroy its true meaning. For Laozi, the Dao is the natural way of life, something vast and beyond human understanding. But the moment we try to put it into words, we shrink it into something smaller than it really is. Words create divisions and categories that don’t exist in nature. For example, when we say something is “good” or “bad,” we forget that everything in life is connected and always changing. Laozi warns that w...

On Being and Dao: Foundations of Metaphysics in Western and Eastern Thought

                      On Being and Dao: Foundations of Metaphysics in Western and Eastern Thought The Western idea of Being and the Eastern concept of Dao both try to explain the nature of existence, but they approach it in very different ways. In Western philosophy, especially in thinkers like Plato and Heidegger, Being is often seen as something fundamental and unchanging—the essence of what things truly are beyond what we see. Philosophers have spent centuries trying to define and analyze Being, treating it as a deep truth that can be understood through reason and logical thinking. In contrast, the Eastern concept of Dao , especially in Daoism, doesn’t focus on defining existence in rigid terms. Instead, Dao is seen as a natural, ever-changing flow that shapes everything in the universe. Rather than trying to grasp it through logic, Daoists believe the best way to understand Dao is to live in harmony with it, acceptin...

Language Limits

 `                    Language Limits (Myke Ian A. Hechanova) Laozi’s statement, “The Dao that can be spoken is not the eternal Dao” (1988), and Nietzsche’s phrase, “God is dead” (1974), both point to the idea that human language limits and distorts truth. They come from different traditions—Daoism in the East and Western philosophy in the West—but both suggest that trying to define something too much can actually destroy its true meaning. For Laozi, the Dao is the natural way of life, something vast and beyond human understanding. But the moment we try to put it into words, we shrink it into something smaller than it really is. Words create divisions and categories that don’t exist in nature. For example, when we say something is “good” or “bad,” we forget that everything in life is connected and always changing. Laozi warns that we should not rely too much on words because they can separate us from the deeper truth of reality...

Being and Dao

            Being and Dao (Myke Ian A. Hechanova) The Western idea of Being and the Eastern concept of Dao both try to explain the nature of existence, but they approach it in very different ways. In Western philosophy, especially in thinkers like Plato and Heidegger, Being is often seen as something fundamental and unchanging—the essence of what things truly are beyond what we see. Philosophers have spent centuries trying to define and analyze Being, treating it as a deep truth that can be understood through reason and logical thinking. In contrast, the Eastern concept of Dao , especially in Daoism, doesn’t focus on defining existence in rigid terms. Instead, Dao is seen as a natural, ever-changing flow that shapes everything in the universe. Rather than trying to grasp it through logic, Daoists believe the best way to understand Dao is to live in harmony with it, accepting life’s changes and contradictions rather than resisting them. One of the big...

Violence vs. Nonviolence: Reflections on EDSA and Current Political Dynamics

  Violence vs. Nonviolence: Reflections on EDSA and Current Political Dynamics (Myke Ian A. Hechanova)    Gandhi's idea of nonviolence, called "ahimsa," is based on the belief that not using violence is the most powerful way to bring about change. He taught that standing up against unfair laws peacefully, known as civil disobedience, is essential. "Satyagraha," or "truth force," means sticking to your beliefs without resorting to violence.       Gandhi believed in loving and understanding everyone, even those who oppress you, because this can help create real change. His methods were key to India's fight for independence, especially during events like the Salt March in 1930. His ideas inspired leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela in their battles against racism.       Today, Gandhi's approach still influences movements around the world, showing us how peaceful protests and open dialogue can lead to stronger communi...

The Power of Knowing: Acting with Purpose

The Power of Knowing: Acting with Purpose (Myke Ian A. Hechanova)      Wang Yangming's idea of the unity of knowing and acting highlights that real knowledge is closely connected to how we behave ethically. He believed that understanding what is right should motivate us to take action. He introduced the concept of "liangzhi," or innate knowledge, which means everyone has a natural sense of morality that helps guide their choices.      For Wang, true knowledge only matters when it leads to action, so just knowing isn’t enough. This practical view encourages personal growth, pushing people to think about their actions and make sure they match their moral beliefs, despite any outside pressures that might cause confusion.      Additionally, taking moral actions can enhance our understanding, showing that ethics is not just about theory but is something we live out every day. Ultimately, this idea encourages us to connect our knowledge with our ac...

Radical Interpretation (Position Paper)

  Position Paper -Radical Interpretation               Davidson's radical interpretation theory provides a framework for understanding how language and thought are deeply interconnected through the ascription of beliefs and meanings.             According to Gluer (2011), Davidson's radical interpretation theory is closely related to the philosophy of language. The theory provides a unique approach to understanding language, meaning, and knowledge by interpreting a speaker's language without prior knowledge and emphasizing the indeterminacy of meaning.             Davidson's theory of interpretation considers the exigencies of interpreting a person's speech behavior, which yields additional semantic and epistemological insights into the nature of language and meaning. It is intended to lay bare the knowle...