The New Great Learning Oneness Epistemic Model : A Philosophical Analysis of the Concept of Oneness and its Application in Veganism

Being an essential idea in ancient thought, the concept of Oneness becomes increasingly crucial again following intense technological advancements and processes of globalization. Multiple planetary crises, such as environmental pollution, global warming, deforestation, destruction of marine ecology, and pandemics, are rooted in the lack of consciousness of Oneness. One main consequence is the large-scale reality of animal farming and overfishing. The present paper facilitates the concepts of the Great Chain of Being in the West and of the Unity of Heaven and Man in China in view of addressing these multiple crises to find solutions. Furthermore, the philosophy of Great Learning, one of the Confucian classics, focusing on personal development, is suitable for applying the Oneness concept in our era of hyper-individualism. Building on the New Great Learning philosophy of Oneness, the thesis integrates relevant Chinese and Western ideas to create a more peaceful and sustainable world. The practical application of veganism is suggested as an effective method to address and reduce the consumption of cruel, polluting, and unhealthy animal products. This is worked out as a model to help people reconnect better with Nature and each other with love in view of building a more sustainable and peaceful world.