To understand Dooyeweerd's aspects properly, we need to grasp their kernel meanings with our intuition. This table is meant to help us do this.
It gives not only what the aspects and their kernels are, but also a 'Rather than' column, which is designed to clarify the kernel meaning by showing what it is not. In many of the aspects normal Westerners would often expect other kernel meanings, and thus arrive at a misunderstanding. Possibly a major one is economics, being seen in terms of finance rather than as frugality. In some cases the 'Rather than' contains a major misunderstanding like that, but in most cases the 'Rather than' is a subset or subtopic of the kernel. For the details of each aspect, click on the aspect name.
| ASPECT | KERNEL | RATHER THAN |
| Quantitative | Amount | Number |
| Spatial | Continuous extension | Occupying space x,y coordinates topology? |
| Kinematic | Movement | eg speed |
| Physical | Energy/Mass | |
| Biotic | Life functions | |
| Sensitive | Feeling | Psychology |
| Analytical | Distinction | Reasoning processes Predicate logic |
| Cultural | Formative Power Achieving Creativity |
Time, 'culture' |
| Lingual | Symbolic meaning | |
| Social | Social interaction | Groupings, classes |
| Economic | Frugal use of resources | Finance |
| Aesthetic | Harmony | Beauty, creativity |
| Juridical | What is due | e.g. Prevention act of judging |
| Ethical | Self-giving love | Keeping moral rules |
| Credal | Vision, commitment | Creeds, ritual |
This is part of The Dooyeweerd Pages, which explain, explore and discuss Dooyeweerd's interesting philosophy. Questions or comments are very welcome.
Compiled by Andrew Basden. You may use this material subject to conditions.
Number of visitors to these pages: . Written on the Amiga with Protext.
Created: 1990. [1999? I did not know about Dooyeweerd in 1990.] Last updated: 21 February 2008 better intro; .end,.nav. 30 Jan 2025 canon, bgc; queried 1990.