All­Unity and All­Difference

Abstract

Analyses the issues of cultural inter­action and reviews research approaches applied to the “East­West” paradigm. The author addresses advantages and disadvantages of integrative and distinguishing methods, specifies the notion of “all­difference” in culture philosophy, and compares some Western and Eastern (non­Biblical) cultures. The author argues that distinctive interest towards the Other is a direct way to self­cognition and arrives at conclusion about the special efforts needed to understand alternatives that are still actual in the East. It is stated that global development values a curious detection of cultural discrepancies and a reasonable approach to cultural borrowing. The author believes that only a conscious synthesis enhancing the world through all­difference affords an opportunity for a mutually enriching integration of peoples and cultures. Assuming that the purpose of this common work is the achievement of “all­unity,” one should bear in mind that it goes about a special type of unity characterised by both full inter­penetration and full all­difference of every element that constitutes it.