Author: LEI Siwen, Associate Professor, School of Philosophy, Renmin University of China.
Abstract:
In the later philosophy of Schelling and Heidegger, concepts such as Ungrund(Unground) and Abgrund (Abground) have fundamental significance. These concepts are used to illustrate that beyond the ground of rationalist metaphysics, an unthinkable and irreducible “nothingness” is hidden. In this tradition of “nothingness”, Jacob Boehme holds a prominent pioneering role. Boehme not only regards “nothingness” as the beginning of philosophy, but also transforms Eckhart’s concept of Abgrund into the concept of Ungrund via modern voluntarism and subjectivity. The unfounded beginning gradually reveals the fate of divinity, becoming God through the will’s own desires and self-grounding and the dynamic unfolding structure of the Trinity. The concept of Ungrund also positively affirms the creation of evil and material nature. The material world and the depravity become the positive prerequisite for the spirit to realize itself, and bequeath a highly tense dualistic structure. Although Boehme is famous for his theosophy, his concept of Ungrund offers a profound reflection on such philosophical and theological issues as being and nothingness, nature and spirit, good and evil, and as a result, Boehme becomes an important thinker in the German mysticism tradition and deeply influences the development of German philosophy.
Keywords:
Ungrund, Abgrund, Nothingness, Nature, Dualism
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