Dao Companion to the Philosophy of the Zhuangzi

This comprehensive collection explores the philosophical resources of the Zhuangzi, covering textual, linguistic, hermeneutical, ethical, social/political, and philosophical issues. It examines the use of language in the text, including metaphorical forms, humor, and paradoxical statements. It also discusses Zhuangzi's relationship with other philosophers and the nature of the "dao."

Format: Hardback
Length: 823 pages
Publication date: 22 September 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This extensive compilation uncovers the profound and multifaceted philosophical riches of the Zhuangzi. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including textual analysis, linguistic interpretation, hermeneutics, ethics, social and political considerations, and philosophical issues that span epistemology, metaphysics, phenomenology, and cross-cultural (Chinese and Western) perspectives. The volume begins by tracing the textual history of the Zhuangzi, delving into the ways in which language is employed throughout the text. It explores this distinctive feature of the Zhuangzi, examining its use of metaphorical forms, its humorous critique of Confucianism, and its paradoxical portrayal of Confucius as the spokesperson for Zhuangzi's own viewpoints. The volume raises questions such as: Why does Zhuangzi employ language in this particular manner? How does it function? Why does he avoid using straightforward propositional language? What is the nature of the "dao" that language is said to inadequately capture, and how does Zhuangzi relate to other philosophers such as Laozi, Xunzi, and the Logicians within the philosophical context of his time?

Weight: 1412g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030923303
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022