불교윤리로 만나는 포스트휴먼 윤리 - 나가르주나의 ‘공의 윤리’와 브라이도티의 ‘관계적 윤리’를 중심으로 - = The Point of Contact between Buddhist Ethics and Posthuman Ethics: Focusing on Nagarajuna’s ‘Ethics of Śūnyatā’ and Braidotti’s ‘Relational Ethics

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

This paper discusses the encounter between Buddhist ethics and posthuman ethics through the concepts of “Non/Post-dualism” and the “Anatta(Non-self)/Relational Subject.” While Buddhist ethics is situated within a representative tradition of non-dualism, posthuman ethics develops by overturning Western dualistic traditions and shifting toward post-dualism. Both Buddhist and Posthuman ethics share a foundational worldview rooted in “Non/Post-dualism”󰠏such as Pratityasamutpada and New Materialism. Furthermore, they both rely on the concept of a “Non-self/Relational Subject”󰠏a subject that is not individualistic or static, but fluid and constantly formed through reciprocal relationships. In this regard, we can expect a cross-cultural overlap that facilitates a meaningful dialogue between these two modes of thought.
From the perspective of “Non/Post-dualism,” the perception of the world is directed toward the actual world as it is, beyond linguistic expression; thus, the perceiving subject and the object are not two separate entities. It is considered “Non/Post- dualistic” because the boundaries between perception and existence dissolve. This perspective leads the subject known as “I” toward a “Relational Subject” or a “Non- self Subject”󰠏an existence within a world connected to others, encompassing both human and non-human beings. However, while the Buddhist concept of Anatta (Non-self) is backed by a long history of non-dualism, the posthuman subject coincides with the emergence of a new materialism centered on the body󰠏where life, experience, and long-standing memories are unified󰠏overturning the traditional, reason-centered view of the subject. Even if these two traditions overlap in their worldviews󰠏concerning the subject that ensures ethical practice and the perception that guarantees a righteous way of life or direction of action󰠏it does not mean there are no differences. In systems of thought with strong situational characteristics, such as Buddhist and posthuman ethics, differences can operate in complex ways.
However, if this becomes a transversal encounter that expands and evolves the horizons of understanding and insight within each tradition, we can anticipate a solidarity aimed at seeking responses toward a sustainable future without abandoning their respective positions. For the Buddhist tradition, an encounter with posthumanism can serve as an opportunity for insight into new perspectives on the world—a response corresponding to the contemporary context. Conversely, for posthumanism, it can provide a new impetus to firmly embed the meaning of its ‘turn’ by adding breadth and depth to the understanding of non-dualism.