〈A Study on the Conceptual Errors in Unification Thought Regarding Value Theory and the Determination of Absolute Value〉

 

1. Citations from Unification Thought.

A.

As follows,

when the subject’s conditions are reflected in the object,

quantitative and qualitative differences in value arise.

This operation of the subject’s conditions is called subjective action.

In other words,

the act in which the subject’s subjectivity is reflected in the object

is subjective action.

< Unification Thought, p. 304, lower section, line 10 to lower section, line 7 >

B.

Therefore,

the absolute standard of value evaluation

is the evaluation criterion grounded in

the universal image (Sungsang, original mind, Shimjeong, Post Logos)

and the purpose of the whole.

Subjective action, on the other hand,

originates from the individual image and the individual purpose.

< Unification Thought, p. 310, upper section, line 4 to upper section, line 6 >

C. Absolute Standard

Thus,

a standard of value evaluation that is universally applicable to all humankind

must be established.

Such a standard of value evaluation

is the absolute standard.

< Unification Thought, p. 306, lower section, line 1 to p. 307, upper section, line 2 >

.

2. Summary and Comparison of the Above Citations.

A. Summary of the Cited Texts

• A: The process of value evaluation.

The operation in which the subject’s conditions are reflected in the object

is subjective action.

• B, C: The absolute standard of value evaluation.

B. Comparison of the Cited Texts

• A explains the horizontal process of value evaluation

(the operational mechanism of subjective action).

• B and C explain the vertical standard of value evaluation

(the absolute criterion).

Thus,

A concerns the horizontal operational process for value evaluation,

while B and C concern the vertical standard for value evaluation.

C. Evaluation of the Cited Texts

The concept of horizontal action in A

and the concept of the vertical standard in B and C

are not mutually comparable on the same horizontal level.

Furthermore:

• The standard of absolute value

is God’s Heart (Shimjeong)—

that is, the Absolute Divine Original Spirit

and the Absolute Divine Original Truth.

• The standard of relative value

is human thought

(philosophy, academic knowledge, truth, goodness, beauty, etc.).

3. Conclusion.

The concept of horizontal action in the process of value evaluation (A)

and the concept of the vertical standard of value evaluation (B, C)

are not only not horizontally comparable,

but also fundamentally belong to different dimensions.

Moreover:

• The standard of absolute value

is God’s Heart (Shimjeong)—

the Absolute Divine Original Spirit

and the Absolute Divine Original Truth.

• The standard of relative value

is human thought

(philosophy, academic knowledge, truth, goodness, beauty, etc.).