Universal Dialectic

The idea of a Universal Dialectic is closely related to the Taoist concept of Taiji or 'Supreme Ultimate,' which is seen as the most fundamental principle of nature. In short, the idea posits the existence of an infinite, essential, and fundamental principle of evolutionary change which actualizes all potential states of being through the self-organizing integration of complementary existential polarities. In its essence, this idea seems identical to the Taiji concept, but owing to the fact that various European dialecticians (Hegel especially) explored themes that some see as remarkably similar, the Universal Dialectic is often concieved of in Western terms rather than (or in addition to) Eastern ones.

Accordingly, the term 'Universal Dialectic' can be considered an attempt to Westernize the concept of Taiji and associate it with the concept of dialectic advocated by Socrates, Hegel, and Marx. In this sense, the advent of the term serves to illustrate and highlight a percieved connection between Eastern and Western thought in regard to the fundamental role and nature of complementary opposites in the ongoing process of creation. This burgeoning 'synthesis of East and West' itself is seen as further evidence for the validity of dialectical thought in general ('thesis, antithesis, synthesis').

The Universal Dialectic is most often visually represented in the form of a yin yang symbol or some variant thereof. The term is relatively young and has not yet gained widespread acceptance, but there has been some discussion regarding it in certain philosophical circles and further development of the idea is expected. Possible practical applications seem to center around the idea of establishing a percieved commonality between the Hegelian and/or Marxist dialectical views and the ancient Taoist wisdom. Although such efforts have been made previously, proponents of the Universal Dialectic concept maintain that the discovery of shared metaphysical ground may be of benefit to students of both traditions. It is generally agreed that whether this is so remains to be determined.