Binary vs. ternary: a comparative analysis of the principles of thought between two cultures through the prism of Dostoevsky's works, Confucius and Lao-Tzu

Abstract

Analyzing the worlds of Dostoevsky, Confucius and Lao Tzu, the author concludes that Dostoevsky as a representative of the Russian culture tends to be binary, whereas Chinese philosophers show inherent ternary way of thinking. The author shares her views on the essence of these two types of thinking and draws a distinction between them.