Cosmic Symbiosis: A Dao-Ai Unification Theory

Contemporary science (systems theory, complexity science, cosmology) and philosophy (analytical philosophy, phenomenology) encounter fundamental limitations in their pursuit of a unified account of being, becoming, and relatedness. The former excels at describing phenomenal correlations yet suspends ontological inquiry; the latter either falls into logical self-referential dilemmas or remains confined to an anthropocentric perspective. Eastern wisdom (such as Daoist thought), while containing profound insights, lacks a formalized framework capable of engaging with modern knowledge systems. This study proposes, through a philosophical reconstruction, the Dao-Ai Unification Theory—a dynamic, self-referential generative ontology. This theory takes Dao as the overarching designation for generative becoming itself, Ai as the immanent driving tension within Dao, and Daoji as the logical node of becoming. The framework begins with a formalization of these core concepts, followed by the derivation of three fundamental axioms: the principles of Holism, Generativity, and Relatedness. Subsequently, we construct the Twin-Helix Yin-Yang Dynamic Generative Model—serving as both a logical model and geometric representation of the philosophical framework—from which we abstract the meta-formula of Dao-Shu Co-generation (Dₓ → (Sₓ₊₁ ∧ Sₓ)). Finally, we unfold the recursive meta-logic of Dao Sheng Wan Wu (the generative process in which Dao generates One, One generates Two, Two generates Three, and Three generates all things) through a five-dimensional recursive structure, and demonstrate, taking the theory itself as a case study, the self-similar unfolding and self-referential closure of this recursive structure across all scales. This work aims to provide a unified meta-theoretical foundation and meta-logical tool for interdisciplinary inquiries into complex systems, the emergence of consciousness, and cosmic evolution. In dialogue with process philosophy: whereas A. N. Whitehead introduces God in his categorical scheme as the ultimate ground of eternal objects and order, this theory fully enacts the principle of Dao Fa Zi Ran (Dao models itself after Nature), thereby situating directionality and value immanently within the generative becoming of Dao itself, without recourse to any transcendental presupposition.