This thesis is a hermeneutical dialogue between Luce Irigaray and
Nishitani Keiji. The main aim of the thesis is to creatively weave together their
key thoughts of sexuate difference and śūnyatā. I do this by juxtaposing key
points in their philosophical oeuvres, thereby developing my own position
which includes the insight of sexuate difference within the insight of śūnyatā.

The philosophical position I come to is one that satisfies and strengthens
both Luce Irigaray and Nishitani Keiji’s requirements for overcoming nihilism,
while at the same time, taking further each of their respective relational self
understandings. I argue that a relational self-understanding is dependent on
bodily practices and the need to understand sexuate human being as integrated
with nature. The philosophical problem of non-duality is examined with respect
to sexuate difference, and I propose a non-dual position based on the insight of
śūnyatā that still includes sexuate difference as a fundamental relational
difference. Finally, interpersonal relationships are re-examined from an
integrated position of the human being, as a living breathing body wh0 is always
sexuate, while at the same time, being always on the field of śūnyatā.