The Dichotomy Between Yin and Yang

The concept of Ying and Yang is derived from the notion that nature appears to group pairs of mutually dependent opposites. To give a definition to one attribute of the pair this automatically defines the opposite within the pair. Examples are night and day, up and down, cold and hot. Without one, the definition of either would be negated. The Yin and Yang are thought of as concepts of which to understand the working of the universe, and not as a definition of an object. “Yin translates literally as the dark side of the mountain, and represents cold, stillness, passiveness, darkness, within, and potential. Yang translates as the bright side of the mountain and represents qualities as warmth, activity, light, outside, and expression.” (Complete Illustrated Guide to Chinese Medicine, Williams) According to the Chinese perspective, everything has physical existence because everything manifests both the Yin and Yang qualities.

Define differences between Western and Chinese perspectives on a Circle
An example of how Yin and Yang relate to Western philosophies: A circle, by definition of Western terms is seen as an equal angular line that ends where is begins. The measurements and properties define it as a circle. However, utilizing the concepts of Yin and Yang, the circle contains within it the potential of a square, and a square can contain within it a circle. Utilizing this concept helps pulls away from defining dichotomies (a concise definition of an objects value) thus giving more weight to the open ended concept of process.