The Middle Way: Using a Dialectical Approach to Improve Your Perception of Human Reality.
As human beings, the intricate interplay of our surroundings shapes our human essence, the societies we are born into, and the prevailing cultures and norms.
On top of this, we have an innate reality, termed ‘Fitra’ in Islam, that governs our intrinsic sense of right and wrong. The Fitra is an original state in which Allah creates all humans, embodying a goodness that distinguishes the moral from the immoral.
Before I go into the concept of the middle way and how it can enrich one’s perspective, it is crucial to understand the dialectical approach initially proposed by the famous German philosopher Hegel. This approach involves presenting an argument, the ‘thesis,’ followed by an opposing counterargument, the ‘antithesis.’ To overcome the deadlock created by the two arguments, a third party introduces a resolution known as the ‘synthesis.’
Let me now explore how what I term ‘the middle way’ can elevate your understanding of human reality, using the synthesis atop the dialectical triangle of the thesis and antithesis as a starting point.
To illustrate the process, consider a scenario where a politician on the right end of the political spectrum advocates for a complete ban on immigration. Conversely, a left-leaning politician calls for an open and welcoming approach to immigration. At this juncture, voters are confronted with two extreme perspectives: a binary choice between an absolute ban and unrestricted immigration.
This deadlock represents a seemingly two-dimensional reality, yet as we know, the complexity of reality extends far beyond two dimensions. Each politician sticks to a singular view, unwilling to compromise. The question, therefore, is: How can we break this deadlock? The answer is to enter the third way, which, if engaged correctly, can enhance voter perspectives beyond the limitations imposed by the two extreme views. The third way is the synthesis, which in the above scenario will build on the two arguments and find ways to reconcile between the two. A possible resolution maybe to have an immigration policy that allows in only those who will add value to the social and economic wellbeing of the country.
Hegel and those whom he influenced over the years, notably Karl Marx, advocated for a dialectical approach- a continual exploration of two extremes — the thesis and antithesis.
This exploration, termed the synthesis, unveils a third dimension of reality. Crucially, the synthesis is not an end in itself but a means to subsequent thesis, antitheses, and further synthesis. The process continues iteratively until all hidden dimensions of reality are considered. However, the process of finding a third way is not an infallible undertaking; there is always a risk of muddying the water.
So, to enrich your perspectives, it is essential to consistently consider the middle way. Finding the middle way is a dynamic way of creating a thesis that will inevitably give rise to an antithesis. This, in turn, will necessitate the emergence of another synthesis( a second middle way).
By actively participating in this iterative process — constantly seeking the middle way — you embark on a journey that becomes the surest ticket to enhancing your understanding of reality.
Finally, I will argue that the middle way brings about those seeking a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the world around them. Use the dialectical approach as a prospective building tool, as the key to unlocking the multiple dimensions of our human reality lies in its iterative dialogue.
