What are Yang and Yin in Chinese philosophy Essay

What are Yang and Yin in Chinese philosophy - Essay Example This philosophical concept also has a rich chronological record since its discovery and elaboration by ancient Chinese philosophers. The philosophical ideology was approximately formulated in 700BC (Mou, 2003). Since the onset of this period, every phenomenon in the physical and social domains was reduced to yin and yang. The concept of yin and yang was introduced and enhanced by ancient scholars in the Yin dynasty (Mou, 2003). The scholars developed the ideology in gradual steps through history. Yin and yang mainly involves the opposite and complementary association among two different phenomena. The philosophical concept represents two opposite principles in all factors of nature. Yin and yang concepts are key contributors towards specific processes of change. Therefore, the relationship of yin and yang is only observable and evident in the progression of change (Mou, 2003). The end result of this affiliation of the opposite forces is development. Development therefore is attained through the complementary interaction of the opposite forces of yin and yang. The attainment of change through the gradual interaction of the opposite forces gives a new definition to situations (Mou, 2003). Events are always dynamic in the interaction of yin and yang. In this case, the affiliation of the yin and yang forces keeps shifting throughout the interaction. Dominance of either force determines the progression of the development process. Despite of the dominance of a single force, the yin and yang keeps complementing one another for the process of development (Mou, 2003). The association of yin and yang is universal in all situations of change or development. As denoted previously, the principle of yin and yang applies universally in diverse contexts of change and development. It explains social and physical processes through evaluation of diverse affiliations amongst complementary and opposite phenomenon (Mou, 2003). As a philosophical ideology, the concept of yin and yang explains social as well as physical processes. For example, there has been a significant application of the yin and yang concept in Chinese medicine. This is one of the physical domains that illustrate the concepts of yin and yang in explaining change processes (Mou, 2003). The yin force represents a block of specific characteristics. The yin force represents passive, female, as well as negative principle of nature. It comprises a shaded orientation, the moon, and the north or shady side of a hill. The yin force also represents the south of a river (Mou, 2003). The yang force represents the opposite constituents of the yin force. This force comprises of active, positive as well as male principle of nature. It entails the sunny or south of the hill. It as well represents the north of a river (Mou, 2003). Evidently, the yin and yang forces reflect and characterize opposing features. The forces are therefore mutually exclusive to each other. The medics in China borrow this association significantly in the explanation of change processes in the field. Yin and yang relationships have basic features in their interactions. Aspects of Yin and Yang relationship Inter-transformation Yin and yang relationships are characterized by inter-transformational courses. One force can change into the other through the process of their interaction (Mou, 2003). This aspect is facilitated by the complementary affiliation of the two opposite forces. The inter-transformational feature is however not a random event. It has its appointed time as determined by the course of the affiliation that exists within the forces (Mou, 2003). The time dependent inter-transformation also defines the nature of the ultimate result of development. Therefore, when the

Did the antebellum reformers succeed in their efforts to better Essay

Did the antebellum reformers succeed in their efforts to better America between 1820 and 1860 - Essay Example Yet, without the period of spirited public debate the reform movements may have been locked into silence. The reformers, while not being able to avert political problems, were able to bring reform into the public debate in the areas of race, gender, and class. It would appear that the antebellum reformers were a failure on race, but the results would come after this period. The Missouri Compromise, the Compromise of 1850 (and its subsequent overturning), and the Fugitive Slave Act were the product of this period that showed no promise for the race equality that reformers called for. Yet, the backlash against the movement and the hope that was contained in the reformers' message precipitated the Civil War and the end of slavery. According to Epps, the reform would go far beyond the mere releasing of slaves and would "...require far-reaching changes in the state-federal balance, the federal separation of powers, and the internal political systems of the individual Southern states" (180). This restructuring of the Union, though no yet realized in 1860, had gained momentum and was a successful reform movement. The movement towards reform also affected women's rights and by 1860 had formed coalitions that were working for the rights of women and minorities.