Philosophy as Subject-Activity: A Philosophical Application of the Self-as-an-End Framework

Full bilingual text and framework available at self-as-an-end.net — Framework reference: self-as-an-end.net/framework.html This paper argues that philosophy is not a discipline or a collection of propositions, but the activity of a subject exercising cognition upon hundun — the state prior to all distinction. It is the philosophical application of the Self-as-an-End theoretical framework. The paper introduces a two-dimensional structure for philosophical activity: the foundational layer is cognition (negation of hundun — the chisel), and the emergent layer is elaboration (systematization of cognitive results — the construct). Four structural operations between the two dimensions are identified: emergent→foundational cultivation (systems catalyze new negation), emergent→foundational colonization (systems suppress negation), foundational→emergent cultivation (negation provides ground for elaboration), and foundational→emergent closure (negation refuses all elaboration). Drawing on the scientific definition of negativity from Paper 4 in this series (the macroscopic remainder that causal law cannot fully explain), the paper distinguishes self from subjectivity: self entails subjectivity, but subjectivity does not entail self. Philosophy requires self — the self-sufficient form of subjectivity where reflexivity, self-grounding, and non-delegability have emerged through cultivation. A three-tier spectrum is established: quasi-subjectivity → proto-subjectivity → self. The paper engages in sustained dialogue with Kant, Descartes, Heidegger, Wittgenstein, Zhuangzi, Hegel, Nietzsche, and Sartre, and derives four non-trivial, testable predictions from the two-dimensional structure. Bilingual publication: English and Chinese versions included. Part of the Self-as-an-End theory series. Related papers: Paper 4, "The Complete Self-as-an-End Framework" (DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18727327) "Causality and Remainder: A Cosmological Physics Application" (DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18779123)