Ontology with Chinese characteristics

Homology as a mode of identification

Dados Bibliográficos

ID2958739
AutoresW Matthews (0000-0002-1614-1428, University College London, autor correspondente)
Ano2017
Volume7
Fascículo1
Páginas265-285
Data de publicação2017-03-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoHau Journal of Ethnographic Theory (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 2049-1115 • E-ISSN: 2575-1433
EditoraUniversity of Chicago Press (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.14318/hau7.1.020
OpenAlexW2626240165
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas25
Referências citadas26

This article describes the cosmological and ontological assumptions of diviners in contemporary China with a view to contributing to current anthropological debates on ontology. Ethnographic examples demonstrate that divination based on the cosmology of the Yi Jing assumes a monist ontology characterized by continuity of physicality and interiority. This argument is supported by discussions of cosmogony and the separability of the person. The correlative character of Yi Jing cosmology assumes that resemblances between entities and phenomena are based on shared intrinsic characteristics rather than analogies. In relation to Philippe Descola's (2013) proposal of four modes of identification, this system posits continuity of physicality and interiority on a cosmic scale. It therefore constitutes a mode of identification-here labeled "Homologism," unaccounted for by this model-in which it logically displaces Totemism as the structural counterpoint to Analogism

Argument (complex analysis · Character (mathematics · Cosmogony · Cosmology · Epistemology · Identification (biology · Mode (computer interface · Monism · Ontology · Physics · Relation (database · Anthropological Studies and Insights · Chinese history and philosophy · Computer Science · Geographies of human-animal interactions · Mathematics · Philosophy