A note on the views of Christianity and Buddhism on ontology, epistemology and axiology

A note on the views of Christianity and Buddhism on ontology, epistemology and axiology (information from perplexity.ai)

My question 1: "What are the main ideas of Christianity and Buddhism on ontology, epistemology, and axiology with reference to the field of contemporary Research Methods in Social Science?"

The reply: "Here is a concise comparison of the main ideas of Christianity and Buddhism on ontology, epistemology, and axiology, with reference to contemporary research methods in social science:

Ontology (Nature of Reality)

• Christianity: Ontologically, Christianity posits a reality created and sustained by God, consisting of both material and immaterial (spiritual) realms. Reality is objective and grounded in divine creation, with humans as sentient beings made in God's image. The existence of God and the spiritual dimension are fundamental to the Christian worldview23.

• Buddhism: Ontology in Buddhism is generally non-essentialist and emphasizes impermanence (anicca), non-self (anatta), and dependent origination (pratītyasamutpāda). Reality is seen as dynamic, interdependent, and lacking an inherent, permanent self or essence. Phenomena arise and cease in dependence on causes and conditions, rejecting a fixed, independent reality[own knowledge].

Epistemology (Nature of Knowledge and Knowing)

• Christianity: Epistemologically, knowledge is both revealed (through scripture, divine revelation) and experiential (through faith and reason). Truth is ultimately grounded in God, who is the source of all knowledge. Human knowing involves a relationship with God and is often mediated through theological reflection and spiritual experience23.

• Buddhism: Buddhist epistemology emphasizes direct experiential knowledge through meditation, mindfulness, and insight into the nature of mind and phenomena. Knowledge is pragmatic and aimed at liberation from suffering. It recognizes perception and inference but prioritizes personal transformative experience and wisdom (prajña)[own knowledge].

Axiology (Values and Ethics)

• Christianity: Christian axiology centers on the value of human life as created in God's image, emphasizing love, compassion, justice, and the relief of suffering. Research and knowledge pursuits are ethically guided by the imperative to serve others, uphold moral responsibility, and avoid harm, reflecting God's will and moral order2.

• Buddhism: Buddhist axiology focuses on reducing suffering (dukkha) and cultivating virtues such as compassion (karuṇā), loving-kindness (mettā), and non-harming (ahiṃsā). Ethical conduct is integral to the path of enlightenment and shapes the aims and methods of inquiry, emphasizing mindfulness and moral responsibility[own knowledge].

Relation to Contemporary Research Methods in Social Science

• Both traditions influence research paradigms by shaping ontological assumptions (e.g., objective reality vs. multiple, impermanent realities), epistemological approaches (faith-based and revealed knowledge vs. experiential and reflective knowledge), and axiological commitments (ethical imperatives guiding research focus and conduct).

• In social science research, Christianity may align with paradigms that recognize an objective moral order and seek knowledge that contributes to human well-being and ethical responsibility23.

• Buddhism aligns with constructivist or interpretivist paradigms emphasizing subjective experience, reflexivity, and ethical mindfulness in research practice47.

• Both traditions underscore the importance of values (axiology) in research, reminding researchers that inquiry is not value-free but ethically and philosophically grounded17.

This synthesis helps researchers in social sciences to reflect on how ontological, epistemological, and axiological perspectives from Christianity and Buddhism can inform coherent, ethically responsible, and contextually relevant research methodologies.

---

Note: Some Buddhist perspectives are inferred based on general doctrinal knowledge as the search results focus more on Christianity and general research paradigms."

My question 2: "Please discuss the topic with reference to the dissertation project tasks of (1) business management and (2) housing studies?"

The reply: "When applying the ontological, epistemological, and axiological perspectives of Christianity and Buddhism to dissertation projects in (1) business management and (2) housing studies, the following considerations emerge:

1. Business Management Dissertation

Ontology:

• Christianity centers on human dignity as created in the image of God, emphasizing an anthropocentric view that values human beings as the core of business activities.

• Buddhism emphasizes interconnectedness and non-self, viewing business as embedded in a web of relationships among all sentient beings, stressing organic interdependence rather than individualism6.

Epistemology:

• Christian business research may incorporate revealed knowledge and ethical frameworks grounded in Christian social teachings (justice, solidarity), alongside rational inquiry.

• Buddhist epistemology in business stresses mindfulness, experiential knowledge, and reflective practices that foster wisdom and ethical awareness in decision-making6.

Axiology:

• Christian values in business emphasize justice, solidarity, and human dignity, aiming for ethical leadership and stakeholder welfare beyond profit maximization.

• Buddhist values prioritize moderation, mindfulness, compassion, and non-violence, promoting sustainable, ethical business practices that reduce harm and foster well-being6.

Implications for Business Management Research Tasks:

• Research topics might explore how spiritual values influence leadership styles, ethical decision-making, and stakeholder relationships.

• Methodologies could include qualitative approaches emphasizing reflexivity, ethical considerations, and the lived experiences of entrepreneurs who integrate spirituality into business.

• The focus would be on long-term sustainability, employee welfare, and ethical stakeholder management rather than short-term profit46.

2. Housing Studies Dissertation

Ontology:

• Christian ontology might frame housing as a human right linked to human dignity and community solidarity, emphasizing the moral responsibility to provide shelter.

• Buddhist ontology would consider housing within the interconnectedness of community and environment, emphasizing simplicity and non-attachment to material possessions6.

Epistemology:

• Christian approaches may rely on normative ethical principles and social teachings to evaluate housing policies and practices.

• Buddhist approaches would emphasize experiential knowledge, mindfulness of social and environmental impacts, and holistic well-being of residents[own knowledge].

Axiology:

• Christian axiology would prioritize justice, charity, and the common good in housing provision, focusing on equitable access and social solidarity.

• Buddhist axiology would stress moderation, compassion, and sustainability, advocating for housing solutions that minimize suffering and respect ecological balance6.

Implications for Housing Studies Research Tasks:

• Research could investigate how spiritual values shape housing policies, community development, and ethical considerations in housing affordability and sustainability.

• Methodologies might include participatory action research or ethnographic studies that incorporate mindfulness and compassion in engaging with communities.

• Ethical frameworks derived from both traditions can guide the evaluation of housing interventions to ensure they promote dignity, well-being, and social harmony6.

Summary Table

Aspect	Business Management Focus	Housing Studies Focus
Ontology	Human dignity (Christian); interconnectedness (Buddhist)	Housing as human right & community (Christian); simplicity & interdependence (Buddhist)
Epistemology	Ethical frameworks & revealed knowledge (Christian); mindfulness & experiential knowledge (Buddhist)	Normative ethics & social teachings (Christian); experiential, mindful engagement (Buddhist)
Axiology	Justice, solidarity, compassion, sustainability	Justice, charity, compassion, sustainability
Research Tasks	Leadership ethics, stakeholder management, sustainable business models	Housing equity, community well-being, sustainable development

 Both traditions encourage integrating ethical and spiritual values into research design and practice, fostering socially responsible and reflective approaches in social science dissertations46.

This integration enriches research by grounding it in ontological and axiological commitments that prioritize human and ecological well-being, and by adopting epistemologies that value both rational analysis and experiential insight.

---

References are primarily drawn from the detailed comparative studies on Christian and Buddhist values in business and organizational contexts46, supplemented by general knowledge on their application to social science research."

My question 3: "With reference to the research theme of "how to improve hotel customer service with AI in Hong Kong", how would our discussion will influence the formulation of an MBA dissertation project research objectives?"

The reply: "When formulating research objectives for an MBA dissertation on "how to improve hotel customer service with AI in Hong Kong," the earlier discussion on Christian and Buddhist ontological, epistemological, and axiological perspectives can meaningfully influence the project by embedding ethical, experiential, and value-driven dimensions into the research design.

Influence on Research Objectives Formulation

1. Ontological Considerations (Nature of Reality)

• Recognizing the hotel guest experience as a dynamic, relational reality (Buddhist interconnectedness) and as a context where human dignity and personalized care matter (Christianity) encourages objectives that explore not just technological efficiency but also the quality and meaning of guest interactions enhanced by AI.

• Objective example: To examine how AI technologies can create personalized and meaningful guest experiences that respect cultural and human dignity values in Hong Kong hotels.

2. Epistemological Considerations (Nature of Knowledge)

• Incorporating both rational, data-driven knowledge (AI analytics, operational efficiency) and experiential, mindful knowledge (guest perceptions, staff reflections) aligns with Christian emphasis on revealed and reasoned knowledge and Buddhist emphasis on direct experience.

• Objective example: To investigate both quantitative performance metrics and qualitative guest and staff experiences related to AI-enabled customer service in Hong Kong hotels.

3. Axiological Considerations (Values and Ethics)

• Embedding ethical values such as compassion, fairness, and sustainability (from both traditions) leads to research objectives that evaluate AI not only for operational gains but also for ethical implications like privacy, inclusivity, and enhancement of staff well-being.

• Objective example: To assess the ethical implications and value alignment of AI applications in hotel customer service, including impacts on guest privacy, staff roles, and cultural sensitivity.

Practical Alignment with Current AI Innovations in Hong Kong Hotels

• AI voice assistants (e.g., Hyatt Centric’s AVA1), multilingual AI chatbots (Quicktext4), AI guest service agents like KITT5, and smart room technologies (Oasis Avenue7) demonstrate the practical contexts where these objectives can be applied.

• Research could focus on how these AI tools improve service personalization, operational efficiency, and guest satisfaction while respecting ethical and experiential dimensions.

• For example, objectives might include: To analyze the effectiveness of multilingual AI assistants in enhancing communication and guest satisfaction in Hong Kong’s multicultural hotel environment or To evaluate staff perceptions of AI integration and its impact on service quality and job satisfaction.

Summary of Suggested MBA Dissertation Research Objectives 

Objective Focus	Example Research Objective
Ontology: Guest experience quality	To explore how AI can enhance personalized, culturally sensitive guest experiences in Hong Kong hotels.
Epistemology: Mixed methods	To investigate both operational performance data and experiential feedback from guests and staff on AI usage.
Axiological: Ethical impact	To assess ethical considerations, including privacy, inclusivity, and staff well-being, in AI customer service.

 

By integrating these philosophical insights with the practical AI advancements in Hong Kong hotels, the MBA dissertation can contribute to a holistic understanding of AI’s role in customer service—balancing technological innovation with human-centered values and ethics.

This approach enriches the research objectives, ensuring they are not only focused on efficiency and profitability but also on meaningful, ethical, and culturally attuned service improvements."

My question 4: "With reference to the research theme of "how does housing affordability affect Hong Kong middle-class gen y's views on retirement planning in 2025", how would our discussion will influence the formulation of a Housing Studies dissertation project research objectives?"

The reply: "For a Housing Studies dissertation on the theme "how does housing affordability affect Hong Kong middle-class Gen Y's views on retirement planning in 2025," the prior discussion on Christian and Buddhist ontological, epistemological, and axiological perspectives can guide the formulation of research objectives that are ethically grounded, contextually sensitive, and methodologically robust.

---

Influence on Research Objectives Formulation

1. Ontological Influence (Nature of Reality)

• Recognizing housing affordability as a critical, lived reality shaping Gen Y’s retirement planning aligns with Christian emphasis on human dignity and social justice, and Buddhist focus on interdependence and impermanence.

• The research should view housing affordability not just as an economic variable but as a complex social phenomenon affecting life planning and well-being.

• Objective example:
  To explore how the unaffordability of housing in Hong Kong influences the retirement planning perceptions and life priorities of middle-class Generation Y individuals.

2. Epistemological Influence (Nature of Knowledge)

• Combining quantitative data (e.g., housing prices, income ratios) with qualitative insights (personal narratives, values, and aspirations) reflects Christian valuing of revealed and reasoned knowledge and Buddhist emphasis on experiential understanding.

• Objective example:
  To investigate both statistical trends in housing affordability and the subjective experiences and attitudes of Gen Y towards retirement planning in Hong Kong.

3. Axiological Influence (Values and Ethics)

• Ethical concerns such as fairness, social equity, and well-being—rooted in Christian and Buddhist values—should inform objectives that assess the social implications of housing policies and personal financial strategies.

• Objective example:
  To assess the ethical and social implications of housing affordability challenges on the retirement security and quality of life expectations of Hong Kong’s middle-class Gen Y.

---

Contextualizing with Hong Kong Housing Market Realities

• Hong Kong is the least affordable housing market globally with a median multiple of 14.4, severely impacting middle-income households and their ability to plan for retirement147.

• Rising housing costs have led to longer waits for public housing and increased reliance on rental markets, affecting Gen Y’s financial stability and retirement outlook67.

• Lifestyle shifts such as acceptance of smaller living spaces or co-living arrangements reflect adaptive strategies and influence retirement expectations5.

• Government efforts to increase housing supply and provide public housing to younger applicants are ongoing but may not fully address middle-class concerns6.

Suggested Research Objectives for the Dissertation

 

Aspect	Suggested Research Objectives
Ontology	To explore how housing affordability shapes the lived realities and retirement planning perspectives of Gen Y in Hong Kong.
Epistemology	To analyze quantitative housing market data alongside qualitative interviews capturing Gen Y's values, aspirations, and challenges regarding retirement.
Axiology	To evaluate the social justice and ethical dimensions of housing affordability on middle-class Gen Y's retirement security and life quality expectations.

 

Methodological Implications

• Use mixed methods: combine statistical analysis of housing affordability indicators with semi-structured interviews or focus groups to capture nuanced personal views and ethical concerns91011.

• Incorporate reflexivity and ethical mindfulness in research design, acknowledging the social impact and value-laden nature of housing issues.

• Address policy relevance by linking findings to ongoing housing reforms and social equity debates in Hong Kong26.

---

Summary

Integrating Christian and Buddhist philosophical insights with the empirical realities of Hong Kong’s housing crisis encourages a dissertation approach that:

• Treats housing affordability as a multidimensional social reality impacting Gen Y’s future planning.

• Values both objective data and lived experience in understanding retirement attitudes.

• Embeds ethical reflection on fairness, dignity, and well-being in research aims.

This approach enriches the dissertation by ensuring it is socially relevant, ethically grounded, and methodologically comprehensive, providing actionable insights for housing policy and social welfare in Hong Kong."

A collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.