Abstract:

The most basic form of correlative thinking is a polar yin-yang opposition. In order to understand this form, the pair of correlative thinking and metaphoric thinking, the binary opposition of order and disorder, the binary opposition of life and death, and also the generating and overcoming cycles of five elements (wu xing), are examined. At the same time, the connections of these key words in Chinese philosophy are interpreted.

Key words: correlative thinking, metaphoric thinking, order-disorder, life-death, yin-yang, five elements