Uncertainty in the Chinese Thought

This article deals with the notion of uncertainty in traditional Chinese philosophy. It occurs at several levels. First in the language: the practice of writing Chinese characters and learning to read the text, which must establish a perception of completeness, give way to indeterminacy. In the domain of logic, uncertainty is necessary because, to focus on the whole, we must take into account conflicting orientations. Finally, and more importantly, when it comes to understanding the Tao, uncertainty arises from the flow of beings and of the ever-changing world. These uncertainties, which explain the apparent ambiguity of Chinese thought, have therefore ontological roots.