Research on Pre-Qin Daoist Philosophy

Author: Zhu Zhe
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-09-01
Features: This book begins by focusing on exploring the background of Taoist philosophical thought from the perspectives of the impact of the era, cultural atmosphere, and the foundation of social practice. From the perspective of the impact of the era, Taoist philosophy is an anti-era spirit, possessing breakthrough and transcendent characteristics compared to the thoughts of Confucianism, Mohism, and other schools of the previous and contemporary eras. From the cultural background perspective, Taoist philosophical thought is nourished by Northern official culture (narrowly defined) and also influenced by Southern shamanistic culture (narrowly defined). Simply exploring the background of Taoist philosophical thought based on Laozi's identity as an official or solely from Southern culture is insufficient. From the perspective of the foundation of social practice, the emergence of Taoist philosophical thought is inseparable from the social practices of the recluses. It is essential to emphasize first that what is meant by the social practice of recluses is not the same as the social practices we usually understand. In the pre-Qin period, recluses, especially those with a self-awareness of critiquing social reality and culture, though withdrawn from social life, their individual actions, though not coordinated, were mutually aligned and had a collective effect, significantly impacting society at the time. Therefore, their actions can also be said to hold the same meaning as social practices.