Convergence of Dao with the Apophatism

Abstract

This study is on the ontological axis of philosophy. Dao and apophatism are two nuclear and irradiant concepts of Eastern and Western thinking. The present study, by their explicative and comprehensive deconstruction, argues in favor of their convergence towards the ineffable philosophical direction and towards the convergence of Western thinking with Oriental thinking.Ideally, this study seeks convergence between Oriental meditation and Western philosophy. The theme of the relationship between the Dao philosopheme in Lao Zi's and Zhuang Zi's conception and Western apophatism is addressed. The research method used is a combination of the comparative method, the deconstruction method and the hermeneutical method. First of all, one of the defining characteristics of the Dao philosopher is ineffablility. Principal and applicative, Dao philosopher focuses on ineffable. Similarly, ineffability is the core, the core of Western apophatism. It is concluded that the philosopher Dao finds his correspondent in Western apophatism, in negative theology.