| Abstract |
This paper investigates the philosophical pursuit of the subjectivity of Taiwanese culture, with an approach of developing a philosophical theory of cultural subjectivity. In the 1930s, Hung Yao-hsün introduced the concept of “culture in Fudo” that stemmed from Japanese philosopher Watsuji to justify the particularity of Taiwanese culture. Nevertheless, I argue that Hung’s view of “culture in Fudo” is not sufficient to answer the question whether Taiwanese culture possesses its subjectivity or not. Although the concept justifies the particularity of Taiwanese culture in contrast to Japanese and Chinese cultures, it cannot exclude the possibility that Taiwanese culture is only a subculture of Chinese culture. Nor can it offer a satisfying answer to the question that how we should deal with a variety of exogenous elements in Taiwanese culture. In order to solve the subjectivity problems of Taiwanese culture in the 21st century, I suggest introducing the immunological theory of biological individuality as a heuristic model. By analogy with the notions of “symbiosis” and “immunity” in the bodies of organisms, I argue that, in order to consolidate the subjectivity of Taiwanese culture, it is necessary to develop the abilities of self-discerning and self-protection within Taiwanese culture. |
