What are Yang and Yin in Chinese philosophy - Essay Example

? Yang and Yin in Chinese Philosophy Introduction Yin and yang are concepts in the Chinese culture that have arich history of explaining physical and social phenomena (Mou, 2003). The concept of yin and yang explains associations amongst diverse phenomena that enhance gradual change. This philosophical concept also has a rich chronological record since its discovery and elaboration by ancient Chinese philosophers. The philosophical ideology was approximately formulated in 700BC (Mou, 2003). Since the onset of this period, every phenomenon in the physical and social domains was reduced to yin and yang. The concept of yin and yang was introduced and enhanced by ancient scholars in the Yin dynasty (Mou, 2003). The scholars developed the ideology in gradual steps through history. Yin and yang mainly involves the opposite and complementary association among two different phenomena. The philosophical concept represents two opposite principles in all factors of nature. Yin and yang concepts are key contributors towards specific processes of change. Therefore, the relationship of yin and yang is only observable and evident in the progression of change (Mou, 2003). The end result of this affiliation of the opposite forces is development. Development therefore is attained through the complementary interaction of the opposite forces of yin and yang. The attainment of change through the gradual interaction of the opposite forces gives a new definition to situations (Mou, 2003). Events are always dynamic in the interaction of yin and yang. In this case, the affiliation of the yin and yang forces keeps shifting throughout the interaction. Dominance of either force determines the progression of the development process. Despite of the dominance of a single force, the yin and yang keeps complementing one another for the process of development (Mou, 2003). The association of yin and yang is universal in all situations of change or development. As denoted previously, the principle of yin and yang applies universally in diverse contexts of change and development. It explains social and physical processes through evaluation of diverse affiliations amongst complementary and opposite phenomenon (Mou, 2003). As a philosophical ideology, the concept of yin and yang explains social as well as physical processes. For example, there has been a significant application of the yin and yang concept in Chinese medicine. This is one of the physical domains that illustrate the concepts of yin and yang in explaining change processes (Mou, 2003). The yin force represents a block of specific characteristics. The yin force represents passive, female, as well as negative principle of nature. It comprises a shaded orientation, the moon, and the north or shady side of a hill. The yin force also represents the south of a river (Mou, 2003). The yang force represents the opposite constituents of the yin force. This force comprises of active, positive as well as male principle of nature. It entails the sunny or south of the hill. It as well represents the north of a river (Mou, 2003). Evidently, the yin and yang forces reflect and characterize opposing features. The forces are therefore mutually exclusive to each other. The medics in China borrow this association significantly in the explanation of change processes in the field. Yin and yang relationships have basic features in their interactions. Aspects of Yin and Yang relationship Inter-transformation Yin and yang relationships are characterized by inter-transformational courses. One force can change into the other through the process of their interaction (Mou, 2003). This aspect is facilitated by the complementary affiliation of the two opposite forces. The inter-transformational feature is however not a random event. It has its appointed time as determined by the course of the affiliation that exists within the forces (Mou, 2003). The time dependent inter-transformation also defines the nature of the ultimate result of development. Therefore, when the time is right, one force may shift to the other and the inter-relation progresses towards development and change. For example, shifts in seasons illustrate the inter-transformational aspect of the yin and yang forces (Mou, 2003). For instance, autumn only establishes upon the culmination of winter. Evidently, inter-transformation is a key aspect of the yin and yang relationships. Interdependence Yin and yang relationships involve the existence of two opposite forces that are in constant interaction with each other. In this context, one force cannot exist without the other. The yin and yang forces are complementary to one another (Mou, 2003). In the observation of social and physical phenomena, everything belongs to either force. Every physical and social phenomenon must belong to one force. The complementary affiliation of phenomena attributes to the belonging of a feature to a specific force (Mou, 2003). A single phenomenon cannot simultaneously belong to both yin and yang forces. Therefore, the phenomena portray a mutually exclusive relationship to one another. This mutually exclusive relationship makes the phenomena belong to either force. Through this difference, the phenomena complement each other in the relationship towards change and development (Mou, 2003). The attainment of a state of yin initiates the development of a state of yang. Attainment of yang also establishes the development of yin. This principle outlines the complementary nature of yin and yang relationships (Mou, 2003). For example, the attainment of day gives meaning to the attainment of night. Yin and yang are opposites In every cycle and progression of development, yin and yang always record an opposite association with each other (Mou, 2003). The opposing association of the forces is only relative. The opposing features can only be observable in a relationship cycle. Phenomena that exist in a relationship cycle reflect the difference and opposition (Mou, 2003). Yin and yang therefore always reflects opposition in the constituents of a relationship. In the opposing nature of the yin and yang relationship, change is a key factor. Situations are not static, since the opposing forces interact for the initiation of change and development (Mou, 2003). Therefore, the opposition allows for dynamics in the yin and yang relationship. For example, water is yin, and it is yang relative to ice. Mutual consumption A harmonious affiliation exists within the yin and yang features. The harmonious affiliation initiates a harmonious change amongst the opposing features (Mou, 2003). This affiliation manifests a sense of equilibrium in the occurrence of change within the opposite relationships. Imbalances amongst yin and yang affect the harmonious affiliation within the forces (Mou, 2003). Excessive dominance of one force may lead to the weakening of the other. This implicates that the excessiveness of one force may lead to the consumption of the other (Mou, 2003). Therefore, excessiveness of one force leads to deficiency to the other. For example, personality forces involve yin as introversion and yang as extroversion. Excessiveness of either personality leads to deficiency to the other. Conclusion Yin and yang is a theoretical orientation in the Chinese philosophy. It has influenced scientific establishments throughout China due its dominance and rich record of chronology (Mou, 2003). The main argument of this philosophical ideology is that every phenomena associates mutually with opposing phenomena for the attainment of change and development. The constituents of one force are the direct opposite of the constituents of the other force (Mou, 2003). Yin and yang relationships have specific aspects which involve inter-transformation, inter-dependence, opposition and mutual consumption. This philosophical ideology dictates the scientific discoveries in Chinese culture due to its explanation of physical and social phenomena. References Mou, B. (2003). Comparative approaches to Chinese philosophy. Aldershot: Ashgate. Appendix Read More