Isness and Beingness
“Isness” and “Beingness” are abstract philosophical concepts often associated with existentialism and phenomenology, among other philosophical traditions. They are not well-defined terms in the sense of having universally agreed-upon definitions, but they are used to explore and describe certain aspects of existence and the nature of being.
Isness:
Isness is a term that can be used to refer to the state of existing or being. It is associated with the idea of “being” in a broad sense. Isness encompasses the very fact of something’s existence or the existence of existence itself. It can be thought of as a fundamental aspect of reality, acknowledging that things just is.
Beingness:
Beingness is a term often used to delve into the nature of being and existence. It delves into questions about what it means to “be” and the nature of existence itself. Beingness goes beyond mere existence and delves into the qualities, essence, and significance of being. It is concerned with the lived experience and the phenomenological aspects of existence.
Both “Isness” and “Beingness” are abstract and somewhat elusive concepts, and their exact meaning can vary depending on the philosophical context in which they are used. Philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Martin Heidegger have explored these concepts as part of their existential and phenomenological inquiries into the nature of human existence and consciousness. These terms are often used in philosophical discourse to grapple with fundamental questions about the nature of reality, existence, and human consciousness.
In the context of philosophical discussions about existence and being, concepts like the “degrees of being” and the “way of being” are associated with existentialism, phenomenology, and ontology. They are used to explore the variations and characteristics of different forms of existence and the manner in which things or beings manifest their existence. Let’s delve into these concepts:
Degrees of Being:
The degrees of being refer to the idea that existence or being is not a uniform or homogenous concept. Instead, there are varying levels or degrees of existence, each with its own characteristics and significance. Some philosophical traditions, like existentialism, argue that beings exist along a spectrum or hierarchy, from the most basic forms of existence to the most complex or meaningful ones.
For example, in the existentialist tradition, a rock or an inanimate object may be considered to have a lower degree of being compared to a sentient human being who is capable of self-awareness, freedom, and making choices. The idea is that different entities possess varying levels of depth, self-awareness, and significance in the grand scheme of existence.
Way of Being:
The “way of being” is a concept commonly associated with existentialist and phenomenological philosophy. It pertains to how different entities or beings manifest their existence in the world. Each being has its own unique “way of being” that is shaped by its individuality, experiences, and relationships.
Existentialist philosophers, such as Martin Heidegger, emphasized the idea that each individual has their own authentic “way of being,” and this is what gives meaning to their existence. It involves exploring one’s own values, choices, and the way in which they engage with the world. In this view, understanding one’s way of being is a fundamental aspect of self-awareness and personal growth.
Additionally, the way of being can also refer to the unique characteristics and attributes that define a particular type of being. For example, the way of being for a human is distinct from the way of being for a tree or an animal. Each type of being has its own set of qualities, behaviors, and modes of existence.
These concepts are central to existentialist and phenomenological philosophies, as they encourage a deeper exploration of what it means to be and how different beings or entities relate to the world and to themselves. They highlight the diversity and complexity of existence, as well as the unique qualities that define each individual being.
“Candle’s Eternal Dance: An Allegory of Being and Existence”
“The candle, in its beingness, embodies the steadfast purpose of producing light. Placed in various conditions, its core essence remains unaltered, unwavering in its mission to illuminate. Within this narrative, the wax and the wick assume their own roles in the symphony of existence. The wick’s beingness is to diminish gradually as the flame dances on, while the wax’s beingness lies in its willingness to yield, melting in response to the fervent embrace of the flame. In this portrayal, we witness not just the candle’s unchanging isness but also the unique degrees of being for each element involved. Furthermore, we observe their distinctive ways of being — the candle’s resolute pursuit of radiance, the wax’s yielding transformation, and the wick’s gradual sacrifice to the flame’s fervor. This allegory beautifully encapsulates the cyclical nature of existence, where the core ‘isness’ persists through transformations, and the process of renewal commences afresh, akin to the eternal dance of the candle’s flame.”
The allegory provided can be analyzed in the context of “beingness” and “isness” to explore the nature of existence, change, and the unique qualities of different elements in the allegory:
Candle’s Beingness and Isness:
The “beingness” of the candle is described as producing light. In the context of the allegory, this means that the candle’s fundamental purpose or essence is to emit light. This is its “isness,” its intrinsic nature.
The candle’s “isness” is unchanging; it remains the same throughout its existence. Regardless of the various conditions it may be placed in, the core purpose of the candle, which is to produce light, remains constant.
Wick and Wax’s Beingness and Isness:
The allegory also delves into the “beingness” of the wick and the wax. The wick’s “beingness” is described as reducing as the flame burns, and the wax’s “beingness” is to melt as the flame burns. These descriptions emphasize how each component serves a unique purpose in the overall process.
Degrees of Being:
The allegory implicitly illustrates the concept of “degrees of being.” The candle, the wick, and the wax all have distinct roles and experiences in the process of the candle burning. The candle, with its flame and light-producing capability, might be considered to have a higher degree of being in this context compared to the wick and wax, which are gradually consumed by the process.
Way of Being:
The “way of being” is highlighted by the description of the candle’s life cycle. It starts with the candle burning, the wax melting, the wick reducing, and the light shining and flickering. This demonstrates how each element has its own unique way of being and interacting with the world. The candle’s way of being involves a dynamic process of producing light, while the wax and wick have their own unique ways of participating in the process.
Change and Renewal:
The allegory also emphasizes the cyclical nature of existence. The candle’s beingness persists through cycles of burning, melting, and extinguishing, followed by the process beginning again. This cyclical nature reflects the idea that while individual elements may change and transform, their fundamental “isness” endures, and the process itself repeats.
In summary, the allegory explores the concept of “beingness” as the intrinsic nature and purpose of different elements in the process of a candle burning. It also touches upon the idea of “isness” as the unchanging core purpose of the candle, and it illustrates the dynamic nature of existence, degrees of being, and the unique ways in which different elements participate in the process of producing light.
In order for the individual to accept themselves, the other, an awareness of the degrees and way of beingness of the self and other must be held deeply within, and valued. Then some sense of isness can emerge. The being of the other, its degrees, its way, simply “is.” Understanding that leads to evolution and adaptation of beingness. The state of “is” does not change.
