Open Self-Reference: The Meta-Methodology of Dao-Er Philosophy

System philosophy must answer the question: How does a theory ground itself? With “dyadic priority” as its core, Dao-Er philosophy must construct a corresponding meta-methodology. This paper proposes “open self-reference,” which enables the system’s self-interpretation, self-critique, self-renewal, and non-dogmatization through dyadicity. It reviews the classic dilemmas of self-reference paradoxes, semantic closure, and hermeneutic circles, clarifies the three core principles of open self-reference, and reveals its “grounding-critique-generation” mechanism. It also responds to the core objections of relativism and self-refutation. Open self-reference not only provides a self-improving “immune system” for Dao-Er philosophy but also breaks through the dogmatic constraints of traditional system philosophy, offering a methodological inspiration for the modern systematization of Chinese philosophy that balances transcendental grounding and practical flexibility.