Transcendental philosophy in Taoism, Kant, and Wittgenstein

This work is a study of Taoism in relation to Kant and Wittgenstein. I argue that the three philosophies form a triptych of transcendental philosophy. At the outset I define two basic terms, used throughout the dissertation, "transcendental philosophy" and "strict logical priority.";Chapters II, III, and IV are devoted to a discussion of Taoism. In Chapter II, I provide a historical orientation to familiarize the Western reader with the fundamental concept of Tao in Taoism.;In Chapter III, I explicate a fundamental distinction in Taoism between that which is relative and that which is interrelative. I examine specifically the polar interrelation of space and time, which generates the multidimension of nonspatial-nontemporal, nonspatial-temporal, spatial-nontemporal, and spatial-temporal. I argue further that this multidimension offers a possible explanation for the problem of language in its relation to mind. Seen on this model, the problem of language arises as a consequence of our ability to ascend and to descend at multidimensional levels.;In Chapter IV, I offer an account of the inexpressible aspect of the Tao. An inquiry is carried out into the question why the Tao is indefinable and inexpressible through the logic of Taoism.;In Chapter V, I examine Kant's treatment of Lao Tzu's philosophy. I show that Kant has misunderstood Taoism. I put Kant to the test of Taoist logic in order to show by the comparison what transcendental philosophy is for the Taoist.;In Chapter VI, I examine the doctrine of silence in Wittgenstein. I discuss its meaning and its methodological implications for transcendental philosophy. I conclude that the inexpressible Tao and Wittgensteinian Tractarian nonsense are two attempts at telling the same story. Finally I reiterate my argument that Kant is necessary for the triptych because Kant sets the question which puts transcendental philosophy in motion.