Zhuangzi's World of Thought

Author: Yang Guorong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-10-01
Features: In the history of Chinese philosophy, Zhuangzi is undoubtedly an indispensable figure. With unrestrained and vast prose as its form and unconventional ideas as its content, Zhuangzi offers people a unique intellectual world. From a philosophical perspective, Zhuangzi's thoughts encompass various domains of human nature and the Dao. In terms of expression, poetic, dialectical, and logical modes of discourse blend harmoniously in his philosophy. Directed at the relationship between heaven and humanity, Zhuangzi elevates humanized existence to a prominent position while also presenting the ideal form of conformity with the "Dao" (nature), creating a complex relationship between human nature and the Dao. From the perspective of "the Dao is one" and "observing the world through the Dao," Zhuangzi delves deeply into how to transcend the division of the world (including the conceptual world) and achieve a unified state of existence. By affirming the interaction between true knowledge and true humans, Zhuangzi examines the process of thinking toward the Dao in a concrete manner. Through debates on the "Dao" and "De," as well as the "self" and others, Zhuangzi clarifies the principle of individuality from various angles. Directed at the realm of freedom, Zhuangzi further highlights the issue of human liberty. This book takes the unity of history and thought as its approach, analyzing the intrinsic themes and theoretical tensions of Zhuangzi's philosophy while further revealing its intellectual lineage. At the same time, it emphasizes presenting the profound philosophical depth and unique theoretical character of his thought in a comprehensive manner.