5. Wu and Yu Symmetry 無、有的對稱性

我們的邏輯結構，最主要的特點是，「無」與「有」的對稱和它們的互補。如第二節所示，在物象層，老子把萬物之間的關係分成「無」和「有」二類。萬物開始時的關係是「無」，是「無分別」或是「同」的狀態。萬物生成後的關係是「有」，是「有分別」或是「異」的狀態。所以，「無、有」就是「同、異」。

在物象層，「無」與「有」是相反對立的物象，萬物的關係不是「有」就是「無」。但是，它們並不能獨立存在，而是緣起的。老子發現萬物並不能用這麼簡單的「無、有」二分法來描述，而提出「恆無」與「恆有」的關係。

• 「無」是指「無分別」的狀態；
• 「有」是指「有分別」的狀態。

 

The main characteristic of our logic structure is the symmetry of Wu and Yu and their complementarity. As in the second verse, Laozi designates the relationship between the myriad things as Wu (Sameness) and Yu (Difference). These objects are the relationships between the myriad things at the first sight.

 At the object level, Wu and Yu are two contrary and opposite objects. These two opposite objects constitute a wholeness, so they must co-exist and symmetrical. Each object cannot be independent and authentic. Laozi recognizes the true relationship between the myriad things that cannot be simply described as Wu or Yu, so he designates the true relationships as Truthful Wu and Truthful Yu.

• Wu means the state of “Sameness” in the beginning;
• Yu means the state of “Difference” after birth.