Taoism

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Taoism
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Class Objectives

• Understand basic ideas of Taoism
• Chuang Tzus theory of human nature and political
  philosophy
• Contrasts with other Chinese political thinkers

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Chuang Tzu and Taoism

• Chuang Tzu (369-286 BCE), contemporary of Mencius
• Lao Tzu (sixth century BCE) -- Tao-te-ching
• Comprehensive world view
• harmony with nature
• harmony of yin and yang

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Chuang Tzu on human nature

• Human nature is neither good nor evil
• benevolent self-interest
• Human nature cannot successfully be guided by
  social institutions
• Natural inequalities exist but do not imply moral
  inequalities

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Chuang Tzus political philosophy

• Not-ruling is the only way to rule
• Individuals should/do care only for themselves
• Rules and laws are not helpful
• No government, or non-government, is legitimate

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Answers for Emperors and Kings

• The best ruling is not-ruling
• Minimize wants, live simply
• Dont be concerned with the outside world

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Staying Home, Possessing Nothing

• Staying home - metaphor for not engaging with the
  world
• Ruling is impossible
• Futility of teaching virtue
• Egocentric philosophy
• Anti-materialism

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Contrasts with Confucianism, Mohism, Legalism

• Taoism recommends no government, other three
  argue some govt is legitimate
• Taoism is cynical of tradition, like Mo Tzu, but
  unlike Confucians
• Taoism is cynical of power of government to
  affect things unlike other traditions

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Chinese Ancient Political Thought -- Summary

• Importance of tradition
• Importance of Confucianism
• Tendency to Authoritarianism
• Disagreement about theories of human nature
• No concern for consent