The “Unity of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity” and Harmony in Traditional Chinese Thought from a Scientific Representation Perspective
摘要
The “unity of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity” is a pivotal concept in traditional Chinese philosophy, symbolizing a harmonious relationship among all things in the world. Interpretations of this unity often emphasize its ecological implications through naturalistic lenses or focus on its ethical and political dimensions. I propose that this unity can also be understood as a cognitive pattern or paradigm within traditional Chinese thought, particularly when viewed through the lens of scientific representation. The ancient Chinese comprehended and engaged with nature using representations and models constructed based on this cognitive framework. Although the scientific representation perspective of the unity may not inherently integrate ecological elements, its application in ancient Chinese thought likely promoted ecological considerations indirectly.