Philosophical Analyses on Interpenetrated Policy Humans and Nonhumans in the Study of Policy Thought

Hae Young Lee1

Received: 26 March 2024 / Accepted: 3 May 2024 / Published online: 1 June 2024
C Korean Social Science Research Council 2024

Abstract In seeking to understand policy humans who are existentially interpenetrated with nonhumans, this paper hypothesizes that the concept of policy humans can be analyzed through Confucius’s theories of human status and based methodologically on the philosophy of things and Taoism. The policy human theorem is first tested via Zhuxi’s theory regarding all things being non-separated from the self. Additionally, policy human theory is demonstrated by Mencius in his doctrine of loving things, which indicates that policy humans themselves are involved in the existence of things. Meanwhile, it could be verified in Taoism. Laozi, the exemplar Taoist, emphasized in his classical philosophy the mutual penetration and dependence of things for their social and individual glory and dignity. The concept is examined further in accordance with the ideas of another Taoist, namely, Zhuangzi’s human-things oneness ideology. With these philosophical discourses in mind, this paper claims that policy humans are both independent beings and simultaneously interrelated with nonhumans.

4.Hae-Young-Lee.pdf