CONTRASTING THE PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE IN EASTERN PHILOSOPHY AND IN THE PHILOSOPHY OF AQUINAS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF IMMANENCE AND TRANSCENDENCE

Abstract

Within Asia, the tradition of Western Christian thought coexists with Eastern thought. In this paper, I wish to compare, contrast and synthesize the conceptions of life found in Asian philosophies and religions, on the one hand, and on the other hand what I consider the essence of Western Christian philosophy, namely the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas. This is for the purpose of finding a common culture of mankind based on the love of life. Through mutual understanding and cooperation Christianity and Chinese civilization can contribute to the formation of a unified Asia and a unified mankind.