What is Feng Shui? Art, Philosophy, or Science? - Feng Shui London UK • The Capital Feng Shui Consultant

What is feng shui? In short, feng shui is art and philosophy. It’s not science (yet). Read on to understand why feng shui is not science based on the current understanding of feng shui and science. Feng shui has many common definitions of what it is about and how it works. Read the definitions of feng shui
This essay categorises feng shui as philosophy and why it is not science, although some people make that claim incorrectly. Read: Is feng shui a science?

Let’s start with philosophy…

In philosophy, there are both guiding principles and considerable freedom. While creativity and the development of new concepts are encouraged, there are certain “rules” or norms that philosophers generally follow to ensure rigorous and coherent argumentation. Here’s a breakdown:

Clarity and Precision: Philosophers strive to express their ideas clearly and precisely. Ambiguity can lead to misunderstandings or weaken an argument, so philosophers often spend considerable time defining their terms and concepts.
Logical Consistency: One of the fundamental principles in philosophy is the requirement for logical consistency. A philosophical argument should not contain contradictions. If an argument is inconsistent, it is typically considered invalid.
Rational Argumentation: Philosophers build and evaluate arguments based on reason. This involves providing evidence, reasoning through premises, and drawing conclusions that logically follow from the premises. Rational argumentation also requires the willingness to critically examine one’s own beliefs and the arguments of others.
Engagement with Existing Thought: While new ideas are welcomed, these ideas are often developed in conversation with existing philosophical thought. This means that philosophers usually engage with past thinkers, addressing their ideas, critiques, and arguments. It’s part of a broader tradition where new concepts are often responses to previous philosophical work.
Coherence: Beyond logical consistency, coherence in the broader sense is valued. Philosophical theories are expected to hang together in a way that is internally consistent and resonates with our broader experiences and intuitions about the world.
Open-Mindedness and Intellectual Humility: Good philosophy involves being open to critique and willing to revise one’s position in light of new evidence or better arguments. Philosophers aim to be open-minded, critically examining all sides of an issue.

However, philosophy is also a field where innovation and creativity are central. While adhering to these norms, philosophers frequently introduce new concepts, frameworks, and perspectives. For instance, existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre developed entirely new ways of thinking about freedom and responsibility, which departed from traditional views.

In summary, while there are norms and principles that guide philosophical work, the field is also open-ended, allowing for creativity in developing and exploring new ideas. The balance between adherence to these principles and creative exploration is what makes philosophy both challenging and enriching.

What about science?

In contrast to philosophy, science operates within a more structured and stringent framework of principles, norms, and rules. While creativity and novel ideas are essential in science, these ideas must be rigorously tested and validated through empirical means. Here’s how scientific principles and norms differ from those in philosophy:

1. Empirical Evidence and Observation

Science: Central to the scientific method is the reliance on empirical evidence—data obtained through observation, experimentation, and measurement. Scientific theories must be based on observable and measurable phenomena. Hypotheses are tested through controlled experiments, and results must be reproducible.
Philosophy: While empirical evidence can be important in some branches of philosophy, many philosophical arguments are based on conceptual analysis, logical reasoning, and thought experiments rather than direct observation or experimentation.

2. Falsifiability

Science: A key criterion for a scientific hypothesis or theory is that it must be falsifiable, meaning it can be proven wrong through empirical evidence. If a theory cannot be tested in such a way that it might be disproven, it is not considered scientifically valid.
Philosophy: Philosophical theories and arguments are not always subject to falsifiability. Some philosophical claims, especially in metaphysics or ethics, are not empirically testable but are instead debated through reasoning and argumentation.

3. Reproducibility

Science: Scientific findings must be reproducible. Other scientists should be able to replicate the results of an experiment under the same conditions. Reproducibility ensures that results are not due to chance or experimental error.
Philosophy: In philosophy, reproducibility is not applicable in the same way. Instead, the focus is on whether an argument can be logically reconstructed and whether its reasoning holds up under scrutiny.

4. Objectivity and Impartiality

Science: Science aims for objectivity, seeking to eliminate personal biases, emotions, and subjective influences. Scientists use rigorous methods to ensure that their findings are as unbiased and impartial as possible.
Philosophy: Objectivity is also valued in philosophy, especially in logical analysis and ethical reasoning. However, philosophy often engages more directly with subjective experiences, values, and interpretations, particularly in areas like existentialism, phenomenology, and ethics.

5. Peer Review and Community Validation

Science: Scientific research is subject to peer review, where other experts in the field evaluate the validity, significance, and originality of the work. This process helps to ensure that scientific findings are credible and robust before they are accepted by the broader scientific community.
Philosophy: Peer review is also important in academic philosophy, but philosophical ideas are often debated more openly and broadly, with less emphasis on consensus and more on the strength of the argument itself.

6. Progressive Refinement

Science: Science is cumulative, building upon previous knowledge. Scientific theories evolve as new evidence is discovered, often leading to refinement, revision, or even rejection of earlier theories. The aim is to converge on a more accurate understanding of the natural world.
Philosophy: Philosophy also evolves over time, but it is more pluralistic. Different philosophical traditions may coexist without one necessarily being replaced by another. For example, ancient philosophical ideas like those of Plato or Aristotle continue to be studied and debated alongside modern philosophical thought.

7. Mathematics and Quantification

Science: Many scientific disciplines, especially in the natural sciences, rely heavily on mathematics and quantification to describe and predict phenomena. Mathematical models are often used to formalize theories and analyze data.
Philosophy: While logic and formal reasoning play a role in philosophy, mathematics is not typically central to most philosophical inquiry, except in areas like logic, philosophy of mathematics, and philosophy of science.

8. Utility and Application

Science: Science often has practical applications, leading to technology, medicine, and other advancements that directly impact society. Scientific research is frequently driven by the goal of solving real-world problems.
Philosophy: Philosophy’s contributions are often more abstract, focusing on understanding concepts, values, and human existence rather than practical applications. However, philosophy can influence ethics, law, and public policy.

In summary, while both philosophy and science value clarity, logical consistency, and rigorous argumentation, science is distinct in its reliance on empirical evidence, falsifiability, reproducibility, and the scientific method. Philosophy, on the other hand, allows for a broader range of methods and types of reasoning, engaging more deeply with conceptual analysis, subjective experience, and normative questions. The norms and rules in science are designed to produce objective, reliable knowledge about the natural world, while philosophy explores the broader implications, meanings, and foundations of that knowledge.

Differences between philosophy and science

When we consider the difference between philosophy and science in the context of feng shui, it becomes clear why feng shui is traditionally seen as a philosophical system rather than a science.

Feng Shui as a Philosophical System
Feng shui is deeply rooted in Chinese metaphysics and is primarily concerned with understanding the relationship between humans and their environment. It involves concepts like qi (energy flow), the balance of yin and yang, and the influence of the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, water) on human well-being. These ideas are central to the philosophical system of feng shui and are used to explain how spaces can be harmonized to promote health, prosperity, and happiness.

In this context, feng shui operates within the norms of a philosophical system:

Conceptual Analysis: Feng shui relies on the interpretation of symbolic meanings and the relationship between various elements within a space. The balance between elements is analysed conceptually rather than empirically.
Cultural and Historical Context: The principles of feng shui are derived from ancient Chinese philosophy, particularly Daoism. This cultural and historical background is essential to understanding and applying feng shui practices.
Subjective Experience: Feng shui practitioners often emphasize the subjective experience of individuals within a space. The “feel” of a room, the perceived flow of energy, and the psychological effects of space arrangement are central to feng shui practice.

Feng Shui and Science
On the other hand, feng shui is not widely accepted as a science because it does not meet several key scientific criteria:

Empirical Evidence: Scientific disciplines require empirical evidence that can be observed, measured, and tested. While there are claims about the effects of feng shui on health, wealth, and happiness, these claims have not been consistently supported by empirical studies. For example, the idea that placing a water feature in the north of a home will bring prosperity is a core principle in feng shui, but it lacks empirical evidence from controlled scientific studies.
Falsifiability: Scientific theories must be falsifiable; that is, there must be a way to prove them wrong through observation or experiment. Feng shui principles, such as the optimal placement of furniture to enhance qi, are difficult to test in this way. If a person does not experience the expected benefits, it can be explained away by other factors, making it challenging to design an experiment that could definitively falsify feng shui principles.
Reproducibility: In science, the results of experiments must be reproducible by others under the same conditions. Feng shui practices can vary widely between practitioners, and results are often considered highly individualized. This variability makes it difficult to reproduce results consistently, which is a hallmark of scientific validation.

Example: The Bagua Map
One of the most commonly used tools in feng shui is the Bagua map, which divides a space into nine areas, each associated with different aspects of life (such as wealth, health, and relationships). Feng shui practitioners use this map to guide the arrangement of space to promote harmony in these life areas.

From a philosophical perspective, the Bagua map is a tool for conceptualising the relationship between space and personal well-being. It reflects underlying metaphysical beliefs about how the environment influences life outcomes.

From a scientific standpoint, however, the effectiveness of the Bagua map in improving specific life areas has not been supported by rigorous empirical research. For instance, while a practitioner might claim that placing a green plant in the wealth corner of the Bagua will enhance financial prosperity, this claim lacks scientific evidence that can be consistently replicated in controlled studies.

Emerging Research and Future Directions
It’s worth noting that there is growing interest in researching feng shui with scientific methods. Some studies have begun to explore the psychological and environmental effects of certain feng shui principles, such as the influence of natural light, spatial layout, and plant presence on well-being. For example, research in environmental psychology might examine how certain spatial arrangements affect mood or productivity, which could be seen as aligning with some feng shui principles.

However, even if specific elements of feng shui are supported by research, the holistic system as a whole remains a philosophical one, rooted in metaphysical beliefs that go beyond what is currently measurable or testable by science.

In conclusion, while feng shui shares with science a concern for improving human life, it does so within a framework that is philosophical rather than scientific. Its methods and principles are rooted in cultural metaphysics rather than empirical evidence, which is why it is typically considered a philosophical system rather than a science. Read: Is feng shui a science?

Qi in Feng Shui Philosophy

The concept of qi (or chi) is indeed central to feng shui and is one of the key reasons why feng shui is classified as a philosophical rather than a scientific system. Qi is often described as a vital life force or energy that flows through everything in the universe. In the context of feng shui, it’s believed that manipulating, arranging, and optimizing the flow of qi within a space can positively affect the occupants’ health, prosperity, and overall well-being.

In feng shui, the belief is that qi is an intangible energy that can be influenced by the physical environment. For example:

Flow of Qi: The arrangement of furniture, the placement of doors and windows, and the overall design of a space are thought to affect how qi moves through an area. A smooth, unobstructed flow of qi is considered beneficial, while stagnant or blocked qi is seen as harmful.
Gathering Qi: Certain features in a space, such as a carefully placed water fountain, are believed to attract and gather qi, enhancing the energy in that part of the home or office.
Balancing Qi: Feng shui also involves balancing yin and yang energies and the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, water) to create a harmonious environment where qi can flow optimally.

Qi and Science
From a scientific perspective, the concept of qi presents significant challenges:

Intangibility: Qi is not something that can be directly observed, measured, or quantified using scientific instruments. Science relies on measurable phenomena, and since qi is described as an invisible, non-material energy, it falls outside the scope of what science can currently study.
Lack of Empirical Evidence: While the effects attributed to qi, such as improved well-being or increased prosperity, can be observed anecdotally, there is little empirical evidence to support the existence of qi itself. Scientific studies have not been able to reliably detect or measure qi, making it difficult to validate the claims made by feng shui practices.
Non-Falsifiability: Because qi is described in ways that are flexible and often subjective, it is difficult to design an experiment that could definitively prove or disprove its existence or effects. If a feng shui intervention doesn’t produce the desired outcome, explanations can vary—perhaps the qi was not properly balanced, or other external factors interfered. This flexibility makes it hard to apply the scientific method to the study of qi.

Example: Qi in Space Arrangement
Consider a common feng shui practice: placing a mirror in a particular location to redirect qi within a room. The belief is that the mirror can help guide qi, preventing it from stagnating in one area and instead circulating it more freely throughout the space.

Philosophical Interpretation: From the feng shui perspective, the mirror’s placement is symbolic, representing a way to influence the flow of energy in the environment. The practice is rooted in metaphysical beliefs about the nature of qi and its impact on life.
Scientific Interpretation: Scientifically, a mirror simply reflects light and whatever is in front of it. Any effect on the occupants’ well-being would likely be attributed to psychological factors rather than an unseen flow of energy. For example, a well-placed mirror might make a space feel larger or brighter, which could improve mood or productivity, but this would be due to observable factors like light and space, not qi.

Current Research and the Concept of Qi
While direct scientific evidence for qi is lacking, there are areas of research that tangentially relate to the effects feng shui attributes to qi. For instance:

Environmental Psychology: Studies in environmental psychology explore how the physical environment affects human behaviour and well-being. Concepts like “psychological comfort” or “stress reduction” in certain spatial arrangements might align with feng shui principles, though they don’t involve qi per se.
Placebo Effect: Some scientists suggest that the benefits people experience from feng shui might be related to the placebo effect—believing that a space is optimally arranged might lead to a sense of well-being, regardless of any metaphysical forces at play. Read more about placebo effect and feng shui

Conclusion: Qi, as a central concept in feng shui, exemplifies the philosophical nature of the practice. It is a metaphysical idea that informs how spaces are designed and arranged with the intention of influencing energy and, by extension, life outcomes. However, because qi is not a concept that can be empirically tested, measured, or falsified by scientific methods, it remains outside the domain of science. This distinction is a key reason why feng shui, while valuable and meaningful within its own framework, is categorised as a philosophical system rather than a scientific one. Read more about qi/chi

Yin and Yang in Feng Shui Philosophy

The concept of yin and yang is indeed fundamental to feng shui, as well as to many other aspects of Chinese philosophy and metaphysics. Yin and yang represent the idea of duality, where seemingly opposite or contrary forces are interconnected and interdependent in the natural world. These forces are thought to complement each other, creating balance and harmony.

In feng shui, yin and yang are used to describe and balance different qualities within a space:

Yin: Often associated with qualities like darkness, stillness, and receptivity. Yin spaces might be quiet, cool, and subdued, like a bedroom designed for rest and relaxation.
Yang: Linked to brightness, activity, and dynamism. Yang spaces are typically more energetic, like a living room or office, where activity and social interaction take place.

Feng shui practitioners seek to balance yin and yang within a space to create an environment that supports the well-being of its occupants. For example:

A room that is too yin (e.g., dimly lit, quiet, and cold) might be seen as inducing lethargy or sadness. Adding yang elements—such as brighter lighting, warmer colours, or more vibrant décor—could bring the space into better balance.
Conversely, a space that is too yang (e.g., overly bright, loud, and cluttered) might be perceived as overwhelming or stressful. Introducing yin elements—such as softer lighting, more muted colours, or quieter surroundings—could create a more harmonious environment.

Yin and Yang and Science
From a scientific perspective, yin and yang are symbolic representations rather than empirical phenomena:

Abstract Concept: Yin and yang are not physical entities or forces that can be observed, measured, or tested in a scientific sense. They are conceptual tools used to explain and describe the balance of opposing qualities in various aspects of life, including the design and arrangement of spaces.
Cultural and Philosophical Roots: The concept of yin and yang is deeply rooted in Chinese cultural and philosophical traditions. It is a way of understanding the world and its complexities through a lens of duality and balance, rather than a scientific framework.

Example: Yin and Yang in Space Arrangement
Imagine a feng shui consultation for an office space:

Philosophical Application: The consultant might assess the balance of yin and yang in the office. If the office is too yang—perhaps it has harsh fluorescent lighting, white walls, and a high level of noise—the consultant might suggest adding yin elements. This could include softer lighting, plants to introduce natural elements, or even a water feature to create a calming atmosphere. The goal is to balance the active, productive energy (yang) with a sense of calm and focus (yin).
Scientific Perspective: Scientifically, these changes might be explained by their psychological effects. For instance, softer lighting and natural elements can reduce stress and increase comfort, leading to better concentration and productivity. However, the scientific explanation would focus on observable factors like lighting conditions, noise levels, and the effects of nature on mental well-being, rather than the abstract interplay of yin and yang.

Yin and Yang: Symbolism vs. Empirical Reality
While yin and yang are powerful symbols for understanding balance and harmony, they remain in the domain of philosophy for several reasons:

Symbolic Representation: Yin and yang are symbolic concepts that represent opposites and their interplay. They are useful for describing the need for balance in life and in spaces, but they do not correspond to measurable physical entities or forces.
Non-Empirical Nature: Since yin and yang are abstract, they do not lend themselves to empirical testing. Unlike scientific concepts that can be tested through experimentation and observation, yin and yang are interpretative tools. Their “effects” are understood within a cultural and philosophical context, not through scientific validation.

Example: Balancing Yin and Yang in a Home
Consider a living room that is used both for relaxation and social gatherings:

Philosophical Approach: A feng shui practitioner might advise balancing the yin and yang elements. For relaxation (a yin activity), the room might include soft textures, dim lighting, and cool colours. For social gatherings (a yang activity), the room could incorporate brighter lighting, lively colours, and more dynamic arrangements of furniture.
Scientific Explanation: A scientist might explain the benefits of these changes in terms of environmental psychology. For example, warm colours can energize a space and promote social interaction, while cooler colours and softer lighting can create a calming atmosphere conducive to relaxation. The explanation would focus on how these factors influence human psychology and behaviour, rather than on an abstract principle of yin and yang.

Conclusion: Yin and yang, like qi, are central to feng shui but are fundamentally philosophical in nature. They provide a framework for understanding and balancing the qualities of a space, but they do so in a way that is symbolic and interpretative rather than empirical. While the adjustments made in the name of balancing yin and yang can have real effects on how a space feels and functions, these effects are understood scientifically through psychology and environmental factors, not through the metaphysical interplay of yin and yang. This distinction helps clarify why feng shui, with its reliance on these concepts, is considered a philosophical system rather than a science. Read more about yin and yang

Time and Astrology in Feng Shui

In feng shui, the concept of time is intricately woven into the practice through various forms of Chinese astrology, such as the Chinese zodiac, the five elements, and other time-based calculations. These time-related aspects are used to assess and predict the flow and transformation of energy within a space over time, adding another layer of complexity to the practice.

Feng shui does not merely concern itself with the static arrangement of space; it also considers the dynamic nature of time. The philosophy posits that energy, or qi, changes and fluctuates based on various temporal factors. To account for these changes, feng shui practitioners use astrological calculations and frameworks that draw on ancient Chinese metaphysics. Key components include:

Five Elements (Wu Xing): The five elements—wood, fire, earth, metal, and water—are believed to cycle through time, influencing the energy of spaces differently in each cycle. For instance, a particular year might be dominated by the energy of the wood element, suggesting that spaces should be adjusted to either harmonize with or counterbalance this influence.
Chinese Zodiac: The twelve-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac, with each year associated with a different animal sign, is used to predict how the energy in a space will interact with the energy of the occupants. For example, a person born in the Year of the Dragon might be advised to arrange their space differently depending on the zodiac animal of the current year.
Flying Stars (Xuan Kong Fei Xing): This is a method in feng shui that uses a combination of the Chinese lunar calendar, compass directions, and time-based cycles to predict how the energy in a space will shift over time. The flying stars chart is used to identify auspicious and inauspicious areas in a home or building during a specific time period.

Astrology and Scientific Limitations
While these astrological frameworks are central to feng shui practice, they are not grounded in empirical evidence and are therefore not considered scientific. Here’s why:

Lack of Empirical Evidence: Astrology, including the forms used in feng shui, lacks empirical support. The predictions and prescriptions offered by these astrological systems have not been reliably tested or confirmed through controlled scientific experiments. The complex interactions proposed—such as the influence of zodiac signs or the five elements on the energy of a space—are based on metaphysical beliefs rather than measurable phenomena.
Multiple Variables and Complexity: One of the significant challenges in scientifically testing the claims of feng shui astrology is the sheer number of variables involved. Time, space, human behaviour, environmental factors, and astrological influences all interact in highly complex ways. Isolating and testing these variables scientifically is exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, because they are so interdependent and context-specific.
Non-Falsifiability: The predictive claims made through feng shui astrology are often non-falsifiable. For example, if a feng shui practitioner predicts that a particular arrangement will bring prosperity based on the year’s zodiac sign, and prosperity does not manifest, the failure can be attributed to a wide range of other factors. This flexibility makes it difficult to apply the scientific method, which relies on the ability to falsify hypotheses.

Example: Time-Based Feng Shui Adjustments
Imagine a feng shui consultation for a home at the beginning of a new lunar year:

Astrological Considerations: The consultant might create a flying stars chart for the year, predicting which parts of the home will experience positive or negative energy shifts. For instance, the southeast corner might be deemed inauspicious due to the annual movement of a negative star. The consultant might then recommend remedies, such as placing a metal object in that corner to counteract the negative energy associated with the star for that year.
Philosophical Interpretation: From a feng shui perspective, these adjustments are meant to align the home with the dynamic flow of qi as influenced by time-based astrological factors. The practice is deeply rooted in a philosophical understanding of the universe as an interconnected system where time, space, and energy are in constant flux.
Scientific Interpretation: Scientifically, the use of astrology to predict energy changes and influence space lacks empirical support. The suggested adjustments might have psychological or aesthetic benefits—perhaps making the occupant feel more in control of their environment or more attuned to their cultural traditions—but these effects are not directly tied to any scientifically measurable changes in energy or outcomes.

Time in Feng Shui: A Philosophical, Not Scientific, Approach
The inclusion of time-based astrological calculations in feng shui highlights its philosophical nature. While these methods imply a certain regularity and predictability, they do so within a metaphysical framework that is difficult to reconcile with the scientific method. The multitude of variables and the non-falsifiable nature of the predictions place feng shui astrology firmly in the domain of philosophy rather than science.

In conclusion, feng shui’s use of time-based astrological systems, while essential to its practice, remains a philosophical approach. It offers a way to understand and interact with the world that is deeply rooted in Chinese metaphysical traditions, but it does not adhere to the empirical, evidence-based requirements of science. This distinction is why, despite its continued relevance and use, feng shui is not recognised as a scientific discipline.

Read more on why feng shui is not science