The Duality of Existence
The Parallels between Yin-Yang Theory and Modern Physics
YIN AND YANG
Thought to have originated in the 14th century BC, Yin-Yang theory historically forms the basis of most Chinese religious and philosophical views. Yin (阴) and Yang (阳) represent equal and opposite aspects of existence, which together create harmony – a constant balance in all things.
When Yin-Yang theory was first explored, a common perception was that they described natural phenomena. For example, the early Chinese needed light in the day to work and do their daily routines. Then the coming of the evening signified their time to rest. As a result, the meanings of Yin and Yang migrated to mean movement (动) and rest (静). At this time, they were widely considered independent.
However, there were some that believed differently. Scholars later studied the Book of Songs (诗经), the oldest existing collection of Chinese poetry. One highly debated verse read:
“Viewing the scenery at a hill, looking for YinYang”
It has been concluded that the poet intended Yang to represent the sunny side of the hill, and Yin the shady side. This indiciates that they are actually connected/create a balance by existing at the same time. This was a precursor to the modern view of Yin-Yang.
Contemporarily, the most common interpretation is that Yin and Yang are Qi ( 气 - vital energy) operating in the universe in a multitude of ways. The interplay of Yin and Yang produces Qi, and through this lens, Yin Yang creates a philosophical perspective on not just natural phenomena, but the nature of heaven, earth and humans.
A quote from an early Chinese philosopher (老子) illustrates this:
“Everything is embedded in Yin and embraces Yang; through vital energy (冲气) it reaches harmony (和).”
It is believed when Yin and Yang first achieved this state of harmony, human life began. Therefore, everything relies on their interaction.
HOW DOES THIS RELATE TO PHYSICS?
Notably, modern physics exhibits concepts that parallel the foundational principles of Yin-Yang theory
For example, the interconnectedness of Yin and Yang mirrors one of the most fundamental principles in quantum mechanics: the wave-particle duality of matter. Similar to the way Yin and Yang not only coexist in a dynamic balance (despite being opposites), matter and energy can display the properties of waves (Yin) or particles (Yang) under certain conditions, despite the two being completely distinct.
In terms of Yin-Yang being equal and opposite, there are a multitude of similar pairings in modern physics:
For electricity to be conducted, there must be a positive (Yin) and negative (Yang) end of a circuit.
Newton’s Third Law states every action (Yin) has an equal and opposite reaction (Yang).
Antimatter, a fairly recent discovery in the physics world, is the opposite of positive particles. Scientists have concluded that for particles (Yin) to exist and behave in predictable ways, they need an identical but oppositely-charged anti-particle (Yang).
QUANTUM ENTANGLEMENT
A compelling comparison between physics and Yin-Yang theory lies in quantum entanglement, one of the strangest phenomena of quantum theory. It is the idea that particles, once entangled, are irrevocably connected, no matter how far apart they are. If something happens to one particle, it affects all others that it is entangled with.
The result of this is that f physicists were to measure the quantum state of one of a pair of entangled particles, they would instantly know the quantum state of the other particle in the pair, as they are directly related.
Although Albert Einstein noticed quantum entanglement in his own time (and infamously described it as ‘spook action at a distance’), it directly contradicts his theory of relativity (nothing travels faster than the speed of light), leaving scientists perplexed for many years, until it could finally be proven in a laboratory.
Scientists, using a relatively new method called ‘biphoton digital holography’, visualised two entangled light particles in real time, and it is no surprise that they look eerily familiar to the well-known yin-yang symbol.
In conclusion, Yin-Yang theory continues to be relevant in the modern day, not only through its influence on religious and philosophical thought, but also by its interesting similarities modern scientific principles, drawing a fascinating link between science and philosophy. Both modern physics and Yin-Yang theory underscore the universal principles of balance and interconnectedness, illustrating that ancient philosophical insights can continue to illuminate our understanding of contemporary scientific phenomena.
Ivie Avwenagha is an A-level student with big engineering dreams and a love for all things writing, too. This usually manifests as many STEM-related essays, poems and narratives.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Internet Encyclopaedia of Philosophy. (n.d.). YinYang (Yin-Yang). Retrieved from https://iep.utm.edu/YinYang/#H6
Pacific College of Health and Science. (2015, March 26). Taoism – Ancient Wisdom for a Modern World: Yin and Yang. Retrieved from https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2015/03/26/taoism-%E2%80%93-ancient-wisdom-for-a-modern-world-Yin-and-Yang
MacDonald, J. (2015, December 11). The Search For Antimatter. JSTOR Daily. Retrieved from https://daily.jstor.org/the-search-for-antimatter/?highlight=The%20search%20for%20antimatter
Turner, B. (2023, August 24) Quantum ‘yin-yang’ shows two photons being entangled in real-time Retrieved from https://www.livescience.com/physics-mathematics/quantum-physics/quantum-yin-yang-shows-two-photons-being-entangled-in-real-time
NASA science (2024) What is quantum entanglement? NASA. Retrieved from https://science.nasa.gov/what-is-the-spooky-science-of-quantum-entanglement/ (Accessed: 31 January 2025).