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The Daoist philosopher Zhuangzi (also known as Chuang Tzu), along
with Confucius, Lao Tzu, and the Buddha, ranks among the most
influential thinkers in the development of East Asian thought. His
literary style is humorous and entertaining, yet the philosophical
content is extraordinarily subtle and profound. This book
introduces key topics in early Daoist philosophy. Drawing on
several issues and methods in Western philosophy, from analytical
philosophy to semiotics and hermeneutics, the author throws new
light on the ancient Zhuangzi text. Engaging Daoism and
contemporary Western philosophical logic, and drawing on new
developments in our understanding of early Chinese culture,
Coutinho challenges the interpretation of Zhuangzi as either a
skeptic or a relativist, and instead seeks to explore his
philosophy as emphasizing the ineradicable vagueness of language,
thought and reality. This new interpretation of the Zhuangzi offers
an important development in the understanding of Daoist philosophy,
describing a world in flux in which things themselves are vague and
inconsistent, and tries to show us a Way (a Dao) to negotiate
through the shadows of a "chaotic" world.
The Daoist philosopher Zhuangzi (also known as Chuang Tzu), along
with Confucius, Lao Tzu, and the Buddha, ranks among the most
influential thinkers in the development of East Asian thought. His
literary style is humorous and entertaining, yet the philosophical
content is extraordinarily subtle and profound. This book
introduces key topics in early Daoist philosophy. Drawing on
several issues and methods in Western philosophy, from analytical
philosophy to semiotics and hermeneutics, the author throws new
light on the ancient Zhuangzi text. Engaging Daoism and
contemporary Western philosophical logic, and drawing on new
developments in our understanding of early Chinese culture,
Coutinho challenges the interpretation of Zhuangzi as either a
skeptic or a relativist, and instead seeks to explore his
philosophy as emphasizing the ineradicable vagueness of language,
thought and reality. This new interpretation of the Zhuangzi offers
an important development in the understanding of Daoist philosophy,
describing a world in flux in which things themselves are vague and
inconsistent, and tries to show us a Way (a Dao) to negotiate
through the shadows of a "chaotic" world.
Steve Coutinho explores in detail the fundamental concepts of
Daoist thought as represented in three early texts: the Laozi, the
Zhuangzi, and the Liezi. Readers interested in philosophy yet
unfamiliar with Daoism will gain a comprehensive understanding of
these works from this analysis, and readers fascinated by ancient
China who also wish to grasp its philosophical foundations will
appreciate the clarity and depth of Coutinho's explanations.
Coutinho writes a volume for all readers, whether or not they have
a background in philosophy or Chinese studies. A work of
comparative philosophy, this volume also integrates the concepts
and methods of contemporary philosophical discourse into a
discussion of early Chinese thought. The resulting dialogue relates
ancient Chinese thought to contemporary philosophical issues and
uses modern Western ideas and approaches to throw new interpretive
light on classical texts. Rather than function as historical
curiosities, these works act as living philosophies in conversation
with contemporary thought and experience. Coutinho respects the
multiplicity of Daoist philosophies while also revealing a
distinctive philosophical sensibility, and he provides clear
explanations of these complex texts without resorting to
oversimplification.
Steve Coutinho explores in detail the fundamental concepts of
Daoist thought as represented in three early texts: the Laozi, the
Zhuangzi, and the Liezi. Readers interested in philosophy yet
unfamiliar with Daoism will gain a comprehensive understanding of
these works from this analysis, and readers fascinated by ancient
China who also wish to grasp its philosophical foundations will
appreciate the clarity and depth of Coutinho's explanations.
Coutinho writes a volume for all readers, whether or not they have
a background in philosophy or Chinese studies. A work of
comparative philosophy, this volume also integrates the concepts
and methods of contemporary philosophical discourse into a
discussion of early Chinese thought. The resulting dialogue relates
ancient Chinese thought to contemporary philosophical issues and
uses modern Western ideas and approaches to throw new interpretive
light on classical texts. Rather than function as historical
curiosities, these works act as living philosophies in conversation
with contemporary thought and experience. Coutinho respects the
multiplicity of Daoist philosophies while also revealing a
distinctive philosophical sensibility, and he provides clear
explanations of these complex texts without resorting to
oversimplification.
Philosophers of the Warring States is an anthology of new
translations of essential readings from the classical texts of
early Chinese philosophy. It includes the Analects of Confucius,
Meng Zi (Mencius), Xun Zi, Mo Zi, Lao Zi (Dao De Jing), Zhuang Zi,
and Han Fei Zi, as well as short chapters on the Da Xue and the
Zhong Yong. Pedagogically organized, it offers philosophically
sophisticated annotations and commentaries as well as an extensive
glossary explaining key philosophical concepts in detail. The
translations are designed to be accurate yet accessible, with the
goal of opening up these complex but difficult texts to modern
readers without prior training in Chinese thought.
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