Polarity in Confucianism and Daoism by Gemma Jiang, PhD.

Daoism is among the earliest traditions to illuminate the wisdom of polarity, with yin and yang as enduring symbols of opposites that are also interdependent and dynamic. The philosophy of polarity is woven throughout classical Chinese culture—the longest continuous stream of human wisdom.

What do Confucianism and Daoism, the two great pillars of classical Chinese thought, teach us about polarity? Which relational patterns most concerned them, and how might their insights shape modern life?

In this DD session, we will explore three core polarities—illustrated through direct quotes from four Confucian classics and three Daoist texts—and reflect on their implications for our time:

1. knowing :: doing
2. self :: other
3. stillness :: movement

Together, we will not only study these ideas but also engage in dialogue and reflection, connecting ancient wisdom to the challenges and possibilities of our modern lives.

Dr. Gemma Jiang has established an extensive practice in complexity leadership through her experience and expertise.  She is the founder and director of the Organizational Innovation Lab in the Swanson School of Engineering, founding host of the Pitt u.lab hub as well as the Adaptive Space at the University of Pittsburgh. 

Currently, her work is focused on National Science Foundation cross-disciplinary scientific research grants. In her research, she applies complexity leadership theory, social network analysis, and a suite of facilitation methods to enable transdisciplinary teams to converge upon solutions for challenges of societal importance. Issues her teams are addressing include the circular economy, decentralizing water, food, energy and materials systems, assistive technology, and mining critical elements. 

Another area of her work is focused on developing community capacity for complexity through hosting communities of learning such as the Pitt u.lab hub and the Adaptive Space. These learning and practice groups bridge the knowing-doing gap and develop the collective capacity needed for social transformation.