Holloway Kenneth W.
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195371451
- eISBN:
- 9780199870653
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195371451.003.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, World Religions
This chapter introduces the problem of recently excavated texts from Guodian being seen as nothing more than new ways to support old ideas about the glorious Chinese tradition. Sources of this ...
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This chapter introduces the problem of recently excavated texts from Guodian being seen as nothing more than new ways to support old ideas about the glorious Chinese tradition. Sources of this problem are discussed first. Next is an overview of ways that this methodology skews our understanding of lost manuscripts. In particular, the evidence found in tombs is significantly different from the Han dynasty notion of Confucianism and Daoism as balkanized schools. Two texts from Guodian are highlighted: “The Five Aspects of Conduct” (“Wuxing Pian”) and the Laozi, or Dao De Jing. The last part of the introduction provides an overview of subsequent chapters.Less
This chapter introduces the problem of recently excavated texts from Guodian being seen as nothing more than new ways to support old ideas about the glorious Chinese tradition. Sources of this problem are discussed first. Next is an overview of ways that this methodology skews our understanding of lost manuscripts. In particular, the evidence found in tombs is significantly different from the Han dynasty notion of Confucianism and Daoism as balkanized schools. Two texts from Guodian are highlighted: “The Five Aspects of Conduct” (“Wuxing Pian”) and the Laozi, or Dao De Jing. The last part of the introduction provides an overview of subsequent chapters.
Henry Rosemont and Roger T. Ames
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- November 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780824832841
- eISBN:
- 9780824869953
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Hawai'i Press
- DOI:
- 10.21313/hawaii/9780824832841.003.0007
- Subject:
- Religion, Religious Studies
In this chapter, Confucius and Master Zeng are talking about how family reverence links together the tripartite dimensions of the dao—that is, the intersection of the way of tian, the way of the ...
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In this chapter, Confucius and Master Zeng are talking about how family reverence links together the tripartite dimensions of the dao—that is, the intersection of the way of tian, the way of the earth, and the way of humankind. According to Confucius, “Family reverence is the constancy of the heavenly cycles, the appropriate responsiveness (yi) of the earth, and the proper conduct of the people.” He proceeds by saying that “The former kings saw that their teachings (jiao) were able to transform the people. Thus, setting their own example of magnanimity (boai) before the people, none of the people would neglect their parents; demonstrating excellence (de) and appropriateness (yi) in their own actions, the people were inspired to conduct themselves accordingly.” Confucius ends by citing a passage in the Book of Songs which says, “Illustrious Grand Tutor Yin, the people all look up to you.”Less
In this chapter, Confucius and Master Zeng are talking about how family reverence links together the tripartite dimensions of the dao—that is, the intersection of the way of tian, the way of the earth, and the way of humankind. According to Confucius, “Family reverence is the constancy of the heavenly cycles, the appropriate responsiveness (yi) of the earth, and the proper conduct of the people.” He proceeds by saying that “The former kings saw that their teachings (jiao) were able to transform the people. Thus, setting their own example of magnanimity (boai) before the people, none of the people would neglect their parents; demonstrating excellence (de) and appropriateness (yi) in their own actions, the people were inspired to conduct themselves accordingly.” Confucius ends by citing a passage in the Book of Songs which says, “Illustrious Grand Tutor Yin, the people all look up to you.”
Chad Hansen
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9789888028931
- eISBN:
- 9789882209800
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Hong Kong University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5790/hongkong/9789888028931.003.0015
- Subject:
- Society and Culture, Asian Studies
Modern ethical naturalism has the challenge of showing how normativity, broadly speaking, is a feature of the natural world—a description, roughly, acceptable in the language of modern natural ...
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Modern ethical naturalism has the challenge of showing how normativity, broadly speaking, is a feature of the natural world—a description, roughly, acceptable in the language of modern natural science. The concept of dào can be used in expressing a positivist traditionalism, social or rational constructivism, or emotivism, among other positions, as well as naturalism. This chapter refines claims about the overall role and value of a concept in normative language that functions as dào does. It discusses Mackie's queerness objection to ethical naturalism and briefly illustrates how it envisions dào-like concepts dispelling it. The chapter also argues that normative claims explicated in natural dào terms would not seem as strange, particularly given other salient features of Chinese normative vocabulary. Furthermore, it briefly sketches a picture of the larger gradations in plausible naturalistic stories illustrating continuity in the emergence of normative from natural dàos.Less
Modern ethical naturalism has the challenge of showing how normativity, broadly speaking, is a feature of the natural world—a description, roughly, acceptable in the language of modern natural science. The concept of dào can be used in expressing a positivist traditionalism, social or rational constructivism, or emotivism, among other positions, as well as naturalism. This chapter refines claims about the overall role and value of a concept in normative language that functions as dào does. It discusses Mackie's queerness objection to ethical naturalism and briefly illustrates how it envisions dào-like concepts dispelling it. The chapter also argues that normative claims explicated in natural dào terms would not seem as strange, particularly given other salient features of Chinese normative vocabulary. Furthermore, it briefly sketches a picture of the larger gradations in plausible naturalistic stories illustrating continuity in the emergence of normative from natural dàos.
Dan Robins
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9789888028931
- eISBN:
- 9789882209800
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Hong Kong University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5790/hongkong/9789888028931.003.0006
- Subject:
- Society and Culture, Asian Studies
In early Chinese discourse, a dào was most often a norm-governed way of doing something, such as filling a role, engaging in an activity, or achieving some goal. The dào promoted by the various ...
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In early Chinese discourse, a dào was most often a norm-governed way of doing something, such as filling a role, engaging in an activity, or achieving some goal. The dào promoted by the various masters were of this sort, for example. But there are also texts according to which dào is prior to and gives rise to the cosmos. For example, Book 6 of the Zhuāngzǐ tells us that “dào . . .[is] from the basis, from the root, when there were not yet heaven and earth, since ancient times it has persisted . . . it produces heaven and produces earth” (Zhuāngzǐ 6:230/81). The aim of this chapter is to give an account of how these two uses of the term “dào” relate, and of what it might mean for ways of acting to give rise to the cosmos.Less
In early Chinese discourse, a dào was most often a norm-governed way of doing something, such as filling a role, engaging in an activity, or achieving some goal. The dào promoted by the various masters were of this sort, for example. But there are also texts according to which dào is prior to and gives rise to the cosmos. For example, Book 6 of the Zhuāngzǐ tells us that “dào . . .[is] from the basis, from the root, when there were not yet heaven and earth, since ancient times it has persisted . . . it produces heaven and produces earth” (Zhuāngzǐ 6:230/81). The aim of this chapter is to give an account of how these two uses of the term “dào” relate, and of what it might mean for ways of acting to give rise to the cosmos.
Eirik Lang Harris
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- September 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780231177665
- eISBN:
- 9780231542166
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Columbia University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7312/columbia/9780231177665.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Ancient Philosophy
The Shenzi Fragments is the first complete translation in any Western language of the extant work of Shen Dao (350–275 B.C.E.). Though his writings have been recounted and interpreted in many texts, ...
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The Shenzi Fragments is the first complete translation in any Western language of the extant work of Shen Dao (350–275 B.C.E.). Though his writings have been recounted and interpreted in many texts, particularly in the work of Xunzi and Han Fei, very few Western scholars have encountered the political philosopher’s original, influential formulations. This volume contains both a translation and an analysis of the Shenzi Fragments. It explains their distillation of the potent political theories circulating in China during the Warring States period, along with their seminal relationship to the Taoist and Legalist traditions and the philosophies of the Lüshi Chunqiu and the Huainanzi. These fragments outline a rudimentary theory of political order modeled on the natural world that recognizes the role of human self-interest in maintaining stable rule. Casting the natural world as an independent, amoral system, Shen Dao situates the source of moral judgment firmly within the human sphere, prompting political philosophy to develop in realistic directions. Harris’s sophisticated translation is paired with commentary that clarifies difficult passages and obscure references. For sections open to multiple interpretations, he offers resources for further research and encourages readers to follow their own path to meaning, much as Shen Dao intended. The Shenzi Fragments offers English-language readers a chance to grasp the full significance of Shen Dao’s work among the pantheon of Chinese intellectuals.Less
The Shenzi Fragments is the first complete translation in any Western language of the extant work of Shen Dao (350–275 B.C.E.). Though his writings have been recounted and interpreted in many texts, particularly in the work of Xunzi and Han Fei, very few Western scholars have encountered the political philosopher’s original, influential formulations. This volume contains both a translation and an analysis of the Shenzi Fragments. It explains their distillation of the potent political theories circulating in China during the Warring States period, along with their seminal relationship to the Taoist and Legalist traditions and the philosophies of the Lüshi Chunqiu and the Huainanzi. These fragments outline a rudimentary theory of political order modeled on the natural world that recognizes the role of human self-interest in maintaining stable rule. Casting the natural world as an independent, amoral system, Shen Dao situates the source of moral judgment firmly within the human sphere, prompting political philosophy to develop in realistic directions. Harris’s sophisticated translation is paired with commentary that clarifies difficult passages and obscure references. For sections open to multiple interpretations, he offers resources for further research and encourages readers to follow their own path to meaning, much as Shen Dao intended. The Shenzi Fragments offers English-language readers a chance to grasp the full significance of Shen Dao’s work among the pantheon of Chinese intellectuals.
Paul Goldin
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- September 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780691200798
- eISBN:
- 9780691200811
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691200798.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, General
This book provides an unmatched introduction to eight of the most important works of classical Chinese philosophy—the Analects of Confucius, Mozi, Mencius, Laozi, Zhuangzi, Sunzi, Xunzi, and Han ...
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This book provides an unmatched introduction to eight of the most important works of classical Chinese philosophy—the Analects of Confucius, Mozi, Mencius, Laozi, Zhuangzi, Sunzi, Xunzi, and Han Feizi. The book places these works in rich context that explains the origin and meaning of their compelling ideas. Because none of these classics was written in its current form by the author to whom it is attributed, the book begins by asking, “What are we reading?” and showing that understanding the textual history of the works enriches our appreciation of them. A chapter is devoted to each of the eight works, and the chapters are organized into three sections: “Philosophy of Heaven,” which looks at how the Analects, Mozi, and Mencius discuss, often skeptically, Heaven (tian) as a source of philosophical values; “Philosophy of the Way,” which addresses how Laozi, Zhuangzi, and Sunzi introduce the new concept of the Way (dao) to transcend the older paradigms; and “Two Titans at the End of an Age,” which examines how Xunzi and Han Feizi adapt the best ideas of the earlier thinkers for a coming imperial age. In addition, the book presents explanations of the protean and frequently misunderstood concept of qi—and of a crucial characteristic of Chinese philosophy, nondeductive reasoning. The result is an invaluable account of an endlessly fascinating and influential philosophical tradition.Less
This book provides an unmatched introduction to eight of the most important works of classical Chinese philosophy—the Analects of Confucius, Mozi, Mencius, Laozi, Zhuangzi, Sunzi, Xunzi, and Han Feizi. The book places these works in rich context that explains the origin and meaning of their compelling ideas. Because none of these classics was written in its current form by the author to whom it is attributed, the book begins by asking, “What are we reading?” and showing that understanding the textual history of the works enriches our appreciation of them. A chapter is devoted to each of the eight works, and the chapters are organized into three sections: “Philosophy of Heaven,” which looks at how the Analects, Mozi, and Mencius discuss, often skeptically, Heaven (tian) as a source of philosophical values; “Philosophy of the Way,” which addresses how Laozi, Zhuangzi, and Sunzi introduce the new concept of the Way (dao) to transcend the older paradigms; and “Two Titans at the End of an Age,” which examines how Xunzi and Han Feizi adapt the best ideas of the earlier thinkers for a coming imperial age. In addition, the book presents explanations of the protean and frequently misunderstood concept of qi—and of a crucial characteristic of Chinese philosophy, nondeductive reasoning. The result is an invaluable account of an endlessly fascinating and influential philosophical tradition.
Ying-shih Yü
Josephine Chiu-Duke and Michael S. Duke (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- September 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780231178587
- eISBN:
- 9780231542012
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Columbia University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7312/columbia/9780231178587.003.0008
- Subject:
- History, Asian History
Describing the rise and development of Neo-Confucianism as the third and last major intellectual breakthrough in traditional China, this essay demonstrates the “prime mover” behind the breakthrough ...
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Describing the rise and development of Neo-Confucianism as the third and last major intellectual breakthrough in traditional China, this essay demonstrates the “prime mover” behind the breakthrough to be the new Chan Buddhism. It suggests that we can understand Neo-Confucianism better if we view it as the culmination of the long-lasting spiritual movement initially activated by the new Chan Buddhism in the eighth century. That is, Neo-Confucianism developed a metaphysical vision of transcendent reality in response to Chan Buddhism.Less
Describing the rise and development of Neo-Confucianism as the third and last major intellectual breakthrough in traditional China, this essay demonstrates the “prime mover” behind the breakthrough to be the new Chan Buddhism. It suggests that we can understand Neo-Confucianism better if we view it as the culmination of the long-lasting spiritual movement initially activated by the new Chan Buddhism in the eighth century. That is, Neo-Confucianism developed a metaphysical vision of transcendent reality in response to Chan Buddhism.
Marjorie Topley
Jean DeBernardi (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9789888028146
- eISBN:
- 9789882206663
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Hong Kong University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5790/hongkong/9789888028146.003.0016
- Subject:
- Society and Culture, Asian Studies
Members of the Society visited four vegetarian halls at Ngau Chi Wan, Kowloon, belonging to a religious sect called Hsien-t'ien Tao [Xiantian Dao]. The notes in this chapter are based on materials ...
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Members of the Society visited four vegetarian halls at Ngau Chi Wan, Kowloon, belonging to a religious sect called Hsien-t'ien Tao [Xiantian Dao]. The notes in this chapter are based on materials provided for the visit, which are rearranged and expanded slightly, and they include also a brief account of the visit itself. The members chose vegetarian halls for the visit because they are, to many members of the public in Hong Kong, less known places of worship than the more popular temples, and the monasteries and nunneries of Buddhism. When the members first came across these particular halls in Kowloon and discovered they were of the Hsien-t'ien Tao sect they seemed to them to be an obvious choice for another reason: they follow an ideology standing outside Buddhist and Taoist religion and again far less known about them by most people in Hong Kong than other faiths.Less
Members of the Society visited four vegetarian halls at Ngau Chi Wan, Kowloon, belonging to a religious sect called Hsien-t'ien Tao [Xiantian Dao]. The notes in this chapter are based on materials provided for the visit, which are rearranged and expanded slightly, and they include also a brief account of the visit itself. The members chose vegetarian halls for the visit because they are, to many members of the public in Hong Kong, less known places of worship than the more popular temples, and the monasteries and nunneries of Buddhism. When the members first came across these particular halls in Kowloon and discovered they were of the Hsien-t'ien Tao sect they seemed to them to be an obvious choice for another reason: they follow an ideology standing outside Buddhist and Taoist religion and again far less known about them by most people in Hong Kong than other faiths.
Henry Rosemont and Roger T. Ames
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- November 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780824832841
- eISBN:
- 9780824869953
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Hawai'i Press
- DOI:
- 10.21313/hawaii/9780824832841.003.0011
- Subject:
- Religion, Religious Studies
In this chapter, Confucius and Master Zeng are talking about the crimes that are addressed by the Five Punishments, none of of which is graver than to be wanting in family reverence. According to ...
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In this chapter, Confucius and Master Zeng are talking about the crimes that are addressed by the Five Punishments, none of of which is graver than to be wanting in family reverence. According to Confucius, “To coerce one’s lord is tantamount to repudiating the institution of rulership; to denounce the sage is tantamount to repudiating law (fa) itself; to denounce family reverence is tantamount to repudiating parenthood altogether.” Such offenses, he says, lead the dao to mayhem and anarchy.Less
In this chapter, Confucius and Master Zeng are talking about the crimes that are addressed by the Five Punishments, none of of which is graver than to be wanting in family reverence. According to Confucius, “To coerce one’s lord is tantamount to repudiating the institution of rulership; to denounce the sage is tantamount to repudiating law (fa) itself; to denounce family reverence is tantamount to repudiating parenthood altogether.” Such offenses, he says, lead the dao to mayhem and anarchy.
Henry Rosemont and Roger T. Ames
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- November 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780824832841
- eISBN:
- 9780824869953
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Hawai'i Press
- DOI:
- 10.21313/hawaii/9780824832841.003.0012
- Subject:
- Religion, Religious Studies
In this chapter, Confucius is discussing the vital way (dao) with Master Zeng. According to Confucius, “There is nothing more effective than family reverence for teaching (jiao) the people about love ...
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In this chapter, Confucius is discussing the vital way (dao) with Master Zeng. According to Confucius, “There is nothing more effective than family reverence for teaching (jiao) the people about love and affection; there is nothing more effective than deference for elders (ti) for teaching the people about ritual propriety (li) and compliance (shun); there is nothing more effective than music (yue) for changing the ways and customs of the people; and there is nothing more effective for safeguarding the lord and bringing proper order to the people than observing ritual propriety.” Confucius says ritual propriety is simply a matter of respect (jing).Less
In this chapter, Confucius is discussing the vital way (dao) with Master Zeng. According to Confucius, “There is nothing more effective than family reverence for teaching (jiao) the people about love and affection; there is nothing more effective than deference for elders (ti) for teaching the people about ritual propriety (li) and compliance (shun); there is nothing more effective than music (yue) for changing the ways and customs of the people; and there is nothing more effective for safeguarding the lord and bringing proper order to the people than observing ritual propriety.” Confucius says ritual propriety is simply a matter of respect (jing).
Henry Rosemont and Roger T. Ames
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- November 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780824832841
- eISBN:
- 9780824869953
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Hawai'i Press
- DOI:
- 10.21313/hawaii/9780824832841.003.0015
- Subject:
- Religion, Religious Studies
In this chapter, Confucius is explaining to Master Zeng the essence of remonstrance, or jian. When Master Zeng asks whether children can be deemed filial simply by obeying every command of their ...
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In this chapter, Confucius is explaining to Master Zeng the essence of remonstrance, or jian. When Master Zeng asks whether children can be deemed filial simply by obeying every command of their fathers, Confucius answers: “What on earth are you saying? Of old, an Emperor had seven ministers who would remonstrate with him, so even if he had no vision of the proper way (dao), he still did not lose the empire. The high nobles had five ministers who would remonstrate with them, so even if they had no vision of the dao, they still did not lose their states.” According to Confucius, a son who is confronted by his father’s reprehensible behavior has no choice but to remonstrate with him, and a minister who is confronted by his ruler’s reprehensible behavior has no choice but to remonstrate with that ruler. Hence, remonstrance is the only response to immorality.Less
In this chapter, Confucius is explaining to Master Zeng the essence of remonstrance, or jian. When Master Zeng asks whether children can be deemed filial simply by obeying every command of their fathers, Confucius answers: “What on earth are you saying? Of old, an Emperor had seven ministers who would remonstrate with him, so even if he had no vision of the proper way (dao), he still did not lose the empire. The high nobles had five ministers who would remonstrate with them, so even if they had no vision of the dao, they still did not lose their states.” According to Confucius, a son who is confronted by his father’s reprehensible behavior has no choice but to remonstrate with him, and a minister who is confronted by his ruler’s reprehensible behavior has no choice but to remonstrate with that ruler. Hence, remonstrance is the only response to immorality.
Ying-shih Yü
Josephine Chiu-Duke and Michael S. Duke (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- September 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780231178600
- eISBN:
- 9780231542005
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Columbia University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7312/columbia/9780231178600.003.0001
- Subject:
- History, Asian History
This essay describes the internal development of Neo-Confucianism from the Song (960-1279) to the Qing (1644-1911). It sees the central problem in Qing intellectual history as arising from a renewed ...
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This essay describes the internal development of Neo-Confucianism from the Song (960-1279) to the Qing (1644-1911). It sees the central problem in Qing intellectual history as arising from a renewed tension between “erudition” and “essentialism,” but with a shift from moral grounds to intellectual grounds. It proposes a new scheme of three-stage periodization of Neo-Confucianism, according to which its development from early Song to mid-Qing times may be understood in terms of the inner logic of intellectual history.Less
This essay describes the internal development of Neo-Confucianism from the Song (960-1279) to the Qing (1644-1911). It sees the central problem in Qing intellectual history as arising from a renewed tension between “erudition” and “essentialism,” but with a shift from moral grounds to intellectual grounds. It proposes a new scheme of three-stage periodization of Neo-Confucianism, according to which its development from early Song to mid-Qing times may be understood in terms of the inner logic of intellectual history.
Bo Mou
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- September 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780262028431
- eISBN:
- 9780262323628
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262028431.003.0012
- Subject:
- Philosophy, General
In this chapter, I examine how it is possible for Zhuangzi’s Daoist naturalism to constructively engage W. V. Quine’s naturalized epistemology to jointly contribute to our understanding and treatment ...
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In this chapter, I examine how it is possible for Zhuangzi’s Daoist naturalism to constructively engage W. V. Quine’s naturalized epistemology to jointly contribute to our understanding and treatment of several specific epistemological issues in a broad naturalist framework. In Section 1, I consider whether they can be got to talk to each other and whether some apparent differences are merely verbal disagreements or substantial ones. In so doing, I identify and specify the structures of these two seemingly competing types of naturalism along with some of their joint concerns, especially in view of their metaphysical foundations and underlying methodological strategies. In Section 2, I examine how Quine’s naturalized epistemology can be constructively engaged by Zhuangzi’s naturalist approach and how they can thus jointly contribute to two philosophically interesting components of epistemology in a broad setting: (1) naturalism and normativity, and (2) the relationship of philosophical inquiry to science and scientific methodology.Less
In this chapter, I examine how it is possible for Zhuangzi’s Daoist naturalism to constructively engage W. V. Quine’s naturalized epistemology to jointly contribute to our understanding and treatment of several specific epistemological issues in a broad naturalist framework. In Section 1, I consider whether they can be got to talk to each other and whether some apparent differences are merely verbal disagreements or substantial ones. In so doing, I identify and specify the structures of these two seemingly competing types of naturalism along with some of their joint concerns, especially in view of their metaphysical foundations and underlying methodological strategies. In Section 2, I examine how Quine’s naturalized epistemology can be constructively engaged by Zhuangzi’s naturalist approach and how they can thus jointly contribute to two philosophically interesting components of epistemology in a broad setting: (1) naturalism and normativity, and (2) the relationship of philosophical inquiry to science and scientific methodology.
James Miller
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- January 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780231175869
- eISBN:
- 9780231544535
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Columbia University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7312/columbia/9780231175869.003.0002
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Science
Daoism proposes a radical reversal of the way that modern human beings think about the natural world. Rather than understanding human beings as “subject” who observe the “objective” world of nature, ...
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Daoism proposes a radical reversal of the way that modern human beings think about the natural world. Rather than understanding human beings as “subject” who observe the “objective” world of nature, Daoism proposes that subjectivity is grounded in the Dao or Way, understood as the wellspring of cosmic creativity for a world of constant transformation. As a result the Daoist goal of “obtaining the Dao” offers insights into the ecological quest to transcend the modern, Cartesian bifurcation of subject and object, self and world. From this follows an ideal of human action not as the projection of agency onto an neutral, objective backdrop but as a transaction or mediation between self and world.Less
Daoism proposes a radical reversal of the way that modern human beings think about the natural world. Rather than understanding human beings as “subject” who observe the “objective” world of nature, Daoism proposes that subjectivity is grounded in the Dao or Way, understood as the wellspring of cosmic creativity for a world of constant transformation. As a result the Daoist goal of “obtaining the Dao” offers insights into the ecological quest to transcend the modern, Cartesian bifurcation of subject and object, self and world. From this follows an ideal of human action not as the projection of agency onto an neutral, objective backdrop but as a transaction or mediation between self and world.
Michael David Kaulana Ing
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199924899
- eISBN:
- 9780199980437
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199924899.003.0006
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
This chapter provides a close reading of the account contained in the “Liyun” chapter of the Liji, which describes the coming forth of ritual into the world. It argues that the Liji constructs a ...
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This chapter provides a close reading of the account contained in the “Liyun” chapter of the Liji, which describes the coming forth of ritual into the world. It argues that the Liji constructs a narrative of dysfunctional ritual that is not simply about incompetent people making mistakes in the performance of ritual. Additionally, it constructs a narrative about the inevitability of ritual failure owing to necessary changes made in the world to support the flourishing of a more complex and more interdependent human population. Ritual, in this view, must change in order to maintain its efficacy but also struggles to capture perfectly the dao, or the process of flourishing where all things in the world maximize their potential for growth and development. Other chapters of the Liji are also discussed in reference to this narrative. The significance of this chapter is that it provides a hermeneutic for understanding unpreventable failures in ritual.Less
This chapter provides a close reading of the account contained in the “Liyun” chapter of the Liji, which describes the coming forth of ritual into the world. It argues that the Liji constructs a narrative of dysfunctional ritual that is not simply about incompetent people making mistakes in the performance of ritual. Additionally, it constructs a narrative about the inevitability of ritual failure owing to necessary changes made in the world to support the flourishing of a more complex and more interdependent human population. Ritual, in this view, must change in order to maintain its efficacy but also struggles to capture perfectly the dao, or the process of flourishing where all things in the world maximize their potential for growth and development. Other chapters of the Liji are also discussed in reference to this narrative. The significance of this chapter is that it provides a hermeneutic for understanding unpreventable failures in ritual.
Paul R. Goldin
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- September 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780691200798
- eISBN:
- 9780691200811
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691200798.003.0006
- Subject:
- Philosophy, General
This chapter lay out a centrist interpretation of the Laozi on the basis of the Wang Bi recension, and then asks how much of this account needs to be adjusted in view of evidence from the Guodian ...
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This chapter lay out a centrist interpretation of the Laozi on the basis of the Wang Bi recension, and then asks how much of this account needs to be adjusted in view of evidence from the Guodian manuscripts. Laozi is one of the few classical Chinese texts for which a theory of accretion might fit the facts. Currently, there is only one set of undisputedly pre-imperial Laozi texts: the so-called Laozi A, B, and C manuscripts from Guodian, each of which contains a small number of passages that are found, with some variation, in the Wang Bi recension. Laozi is also discussed in this chapter because its philosophy marks a major turning point: the conceptualization of “the Way” (dao) as a cosmic principle. Although it is not certain that Laozi was the very first text to use the word dao in its radically new sense, the text is representative of intellectual trends that emerged around the fourth century BC.Less
This chapter lay out a centrist interpretation of the Laozi on the basis of the Wang Bi recension, and then asks how much of this account needs to be adjusted in view of evidence from the Guodian manuscripts. Laozi is one of the few classical Chinese texts for which a theory of accretion might fit the facts. Currently, there is only one set of undisputedly pre-imperial Laozi texts: the so-called Laozi A, B, and C manuscripts from Guodian, each of which contains a small number of passages that are found, with some variation, in the Wang Bi recension. Laozi is also discussed in this chapter because its philosophy marks a major turning point: the conceptualization of “the Way” (dao) as a cosmic principle. Although it is not certain that Laozi was the very first text to use the word dao in its radically new sense, the text is representative of intellectual trends that emerged around the fourth century BC.
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- June 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780804761284
- eISBN:
- 9780804772884
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Stanford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.11126/stanford/9780804761284.003.0012
- Subject:
- Philosophy, History of Philosophy
This chapter presents the English translation of a letter written by Zhang to Zhu Cangmei, which not only describes Zhang's own course of learning and specific advice to his young protégé but also an ...
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This chapter presents the English translation of a letter written by Zhang to Zhu Cangmei, which not only describes Zhang's own course of learning and specific advice to his young protégé but also an analysis of how people in general should pursue an understanding of the dao. Zhang self-consciously modeled his composition on a justly famous letter from Han Yu to his student Li Yi. But Zhang uses the occasion to review and apply some of the central claims of his general philosophical view.Less
This chapter presents the English translation of a letter written by Zhang to Zhu Cangmei, which not only describes Zhang's own course of learning and specific advice to his young protégé but also an analysis of how people in general should pursue an understanding of the dao. Zhang self-consciously modeled his composition on a justly famous letter from Han Yu to his student Li Yi. But Zhang uses the occasion to review and apply some of the central claims of his general philosophical view.
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- June 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780804761284
- eISBN:
- 9780804772884
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Stanford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.11126/stanford/9780804761284.003.0014
- Subject:
- Philosophy, History of Philosophy
This chapter presents the English translation of a reply written by Zhang to Shen Zaiting. Zhang says that learning must be aimed at personal understanding; its true goal is moral improvement. The ...
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This chapter presents the English translation of a reply written by Zhang to Shen Zaiting. Zhang says that learning must be aimed at personal understanding; its true goal is moral improvement. The aspiring student of the dao must be on guard so as not to be seduced by promises of worldly renown or reward or led astray by the popularity of intellectual fashions. Different intellectual fashions come and go, and everyone has its underlying merits, but one must realize that each is but one facet of the dao. Students must keep their eyes on the true prize: a personal understanding of the Way, and the first step in this process is grasping what the dao is and what it is not; this, of course, is the focus of Zhang's “On the Dao.” Zhang then presents a summary of his view of the dao.Less
This chapter presents the English translation of a reply written by Zhang to Shen Zaiting. Zhang says that learning must be aimed at personal understanding; its true goal is moral improvement. The aspiring student of the dao must be on guard so as not to be seduced by promises of worldly renown or reward or led astray by the popularity of intellectual fashions. Different intellectual fashions come and go, and everyone has its underlying merits, but one must realize that each is but one facet of the dao. Students must keep their eyes on the true prize: a personal understanding of the Way, and the first step in this process is grasping what the dao is and what it is not; this, of course, is the focus of Zhang's “On the Dao.” Zhang then presents a summary of his view of the dao.
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- June 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780804761284
- eISBN:
- 9780804772884
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Stanford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.11126/stanford/9780804761284.003.0015
- Subject:
- Philosophy, History of Philosophy
This chapter presents the English translation of a letter written by Zhang, which offers insight on the motivation and intention behind his most important essay, “On the Dao.” The letter begins with ...
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This chapter presents the English translation of a letter written by Zhang, which offers insight on the motivation and intention behind his most important essay, “On the Dao.” The letter begins with Zhang's noting the criticisms his essay had received and responding that at least these critics did not really understand the central argument of the essay or the larger project, the General Principles of Literature and History, of which it is a part. He suggests that the likely source of their misunderstanding is the fact that his essay shares its title with several famous predecessors, but notes that the point of his essay is fundamentally different from any of them. Zhang goes on to explain that “On the Dao” was written to show the historical origins of the dao in a way that would make clear what the dao essentially is. He further says that “On the Dao” plays a vital role within his larger work, the General Principles of Literature and History, which is why it is the lead essay in this collection of writings.Less
This chapter presents the English translation of a letter written by Zhang, which offers insight on the motivation and intention behind his most important essay, “On the Dao.” The letter begins with Zhang's noting the criticisms his essay had received and responding that at least these critics did not really understand the central argument of the essay or the larger project, the General Principles of Literature and History, of which it is a part. He suggests that the likely source of their misunderstanding is the fact that his essay shares its title with several famous predecessors, but notes that the point of his essay is fundamentally different from any of them. Zhang goes on to explain that “On the Dao” was written to show the historical origins of the dao in a way that would make clear what the dao essentially is. He further says that “On the Dao” plays a vital role within his larger work, the General Principles of Literature and History, which is why it is the lead essay in this collection of writings.
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- June 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780804761284
- eISBN:
- 9780804772884
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Stanford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.11126/stanford/9780804761284.003.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, History of Philosophy
This chapter presents the English translation of Zhang's most comprehensive and important essay. Zhang understood the title yuan dao to mean both “to trace the dao or Way back to its historical ...
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This chapter presents the English translation of Zhang's most comprehensive and important essay. Zhang understood the title yuan dao to mean both “to trace the dao or Way back to its historical source,” and “to provide a complete analysis describing what it essentially is.” Zhao traces the evolution of the dao through three distinctive historical periods and explains why a grasp of this history is critical for understanding how past as well as contemporary thinkers misunderstand the nature of the dao, and therefore act in misguided and unproductive ways. Zhang's criticisms are aimed primarily at well-meaning yet misguided Confucians who misunderstood the very nature of the dao and therefore corrupted and misdirected the Confucian tradition.Less
This chapter presents the English translation of Zhang's most comprehensive and important essay. Zhang understood the title yuan dao to mean both “to trace the dao or Way back to its historical source,” and “to provide a complete analysis describing what it essentially is.” Zhao traces the evolution of the dao through three distinctive historical periods and explains why a grasp of this history is critical for understanding how past as well as contemporary thinkers misunderstand the nature of the dao, and therefore act in misguided and unproductive ways. Zhang's criticisms are aimed primarily at well-meaning yet misguided Confucians who misunderstood the very nature of the dao and therefore corrupted and misdirected the Confucian tradition.