Toward a Complementary Consciousness and Mutual Flourishing of Chinese and Western Cultures: The Contributions of Process Philosophers

“Complementary consciousness” takes binaries and transforms them into dynamic complements. Today this kind of consciousness has grown from a quiet stream to a mighty river in both China and the West. The streams that feed this river include generations of work by comparative literature scholars, philosophers, Sinologists, educators, anthropologists, psychologists, and theologians, as well as practical connections made by scientists and business people. Among scholars, process philosophers (constructive postmodern thinkers) have played a uniquely important role in promoting a complementary consciousness within Chinese and Western culture. This discussion explores ways that process philosophers and constructive postmodern thinkers have contributed to complementary consciousness by deconstructing Eurocentric prejudices, subverting exclusivist foundations, promoting cross-cultural dialogue, appreciating differences, appreciating the wisdom of traditional Chinese Culture, and encouraging possibilities for cross-cultural fertilization.