Metaphysical Principle and Principle of Value: the Way (Dao 道) and Natural Spontaneity (Ziran 自然) in the Philosophy of the Laozi

In: Philosophical Horizons
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Guorong Yang
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Paul J. D’Ambrosio
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Daniel Sarafinas
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Sharon Small
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Ady van den Stock
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Stefano Gandolfo
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In the philosophical system of the Laozi 老子 (“Book of Master Lao”),123 metaphysical principles observed from the perspective of the way of heaven (tiandao guan 天道观) and principles of value within the perspective of the way of humanity (rendao guan 人道观) appear as intrinsically interrelated. As far as the perspective of the way of heaven is concerned, we know that the Laozi takes dao 道 (“way” “method” “principle”) as its first principle. As the ultimate basis of existence, the way is not an anthropomorphic or teleological kind of being, but rather has ziran 自然 (“self-so,” “natural,” “spontaneity”) as its fundamental mode of existence. The idea that “the way follows the example of nature” (dao fa ziran 道法自然)4 serves to make this clear. Following the example of nature within the perspective of the way of heaven becomes concretized within the observational stance provided by the way of humanity, where it counts as a principle of natural spontaneity on an axiological level. The line of thought outlined in the above, centered on the concepts of dao and ziran, reflects the correspondence between the way of heaven and the way of humanity, and also reveals the interpenetration of metaphysical and axiological principles.

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Philosophical Horizons

Metaphysical Investigation in Chinese Philosophy

Series:  Modern Chinese Philosophy, Volume: 18

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