Rediscovering the Roots of Chinese Thought: Laozi's Philosophy (Contemporary Chinese Scholarship in Daoist Studies)

This book translates Lao Zhuang xinlun , a key work of contemporary Chinese. It offers a unique discussion of the Laozi , arguing—in contrast to standard Western scholarship—that the text goes back to a single author and identifying him as an older contemporary, and even teacher, of Confucius. This places the Confucian Analects after the Laozi and makes the text the most fundamental work of ancient Chinese thought. Chen explores these debates regarding these points, providing evidence based on materials excavated from Mawangdui and Guodian. His book is fascinating documentation of contemporary Chinese arguments and debates previously unavailable in English. It is nothing less than a complete revision of the history of Chinese thought with Daoism as its major focus. This Book Translates Lao Zhuang Xinlun, A Key Work Of Contemporary Chinese Scholarship. It Offers A Unique Discussion Of The Laozi, Arguing - In Contrast To Standard Western Scholarship - That The Text Goes Back To Laozi As A Single Author And Identifying Him As An Older Contemporary, And Even Teacher, Of Confucius. This Places The Confucian Analects After The Daode Jing And Makes The Text The Most Fundamental Work Of Ancient Chinese Thought. Chen Explores Decades Of Debates Regarding These Points, Providing Evidence Based On Materials Excavated From Mawangdui And Guodian. His Book Is Fascinating In Its Documentation Of Contemporary Chinese Arguments And Debates, Offering A Complete Revision Of The History Of Chinese Thought With Daoism As Its Major Focus. The Work Is An Absolute Must For Anyone Studying Chinese Philosophy And History. -- From Back Cover. Machine Generated Contents Note: 1. Laozi Before Kongzi -- Laozi As Kongzi's Teacher -- Laozi Before Lunyu -- Modern Scholarship -- Laozi's Influence On Mozi -- Conclusion -- 2. Laozi's And Kongzi's Teachings -- Naturalism Versus Rule By Virtuosity -- The Importance Of Society -- Heavens, Dao, And Virtuosity -- Human Innate Tendencies -- Humaneness And Responsibility -- Conclusion -- 3. The Early Laozi -- The Guodian Versions -- Moral Values -- Philosophical Development -- Issues In The Guodian Laozi -- 4. Laozi's Thought -- Dimensions Of Dao -- Practical Application -- Ontology And Experience -- 5. Laozi And Pre-qin Philosophy -- Mainstream Daoism -- The Jixia School And Huang-lao -- Laozi's Impact -- Conclusion. Guying Chen ; [translated By Paul D'ambrosio]. Translated From The Chinese. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. An English translation of one of the most influential Chinese texts on Daoism of the past century, written by Guying Chen, one of China's foremost scholars of Daoist thought. This book offers a unique discussion of the Laozi, arguing that the text goes back to a single author and identifying him as an older contemporary, and even teacher, of Confucius.