‘Gyukmulchizhi(Gewuzhizhi, Gaining Knowledge by the Study of Things)’ and Virtuality - Focused on the ‘Image of Thought’ and VR

This study explores the potential for virtual reality (VR) perceptual environments to transcend the boundaries between material and immaterial realms, drawing inspiration from the philosophical insights of 'Gyukmulchizhi' (Gewuzhizhi, gaining knowledge by the study of things) by Zhu Xi, a 12th-century Chinese Neo-Confucianist, and 'Seonghaksipdo' (The Ten Diagrams on Sage Learning) by Toegye YI Hwang, a 16th-century Korean Neo-Confucianist. Central to our investigation is examining how VR can address historical such dichotomies as the material-immaterial, subject-object, individual-universal, and body-mind types, aligning with contemporary interdisciplinary dialogues in science, philosophy, and art. By situating our inquiry within the context of recent discussions in new materialism, affect theory, the Anthropocene, embodied cognition, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence, we aim to chart a course for the future of VR technology. Through a nuanced understanding of the current capabilities and limitations of VR, we seek to re-conceptualize its role as a tool for the 'image of thought.' The study interrogates as to whether VR can transcend disciplinary boundaries to intersect with philosophy, science, and art, theoretically examining the implications of such convergences. Central to this exploration are the concepts of 'motility,' 'datasphere,' and 'agency,' which serve as key drivers in shaping the potential of VR as a medium for cognitive engagement. In conclusion, we can pave the way for a new image of thought by criticizing the generative potential of the 'datasphere' and maximizing user motility and agency within VR environments.