Nature And Freedom

Lao Zi and Zhuang Zi develop a unique theory of life philosophy which focuses on reflection of resolution to life problems. The dissertation elaborates this theory from five respects which are as follows:First, analysis of the theory's causes. During the Spring and Autumn period, continual war and social upheaval seriously threatened people's life. The thought trend of accomplishment and utility had made life single-sided and materialized. The abandonment of rites and music led to belief loss and spirit crisis. Such a setting and status quo gave prominence to the reflection on life. The emergence of consciousness of valuing human made possible the reflection on life problem. Free academic atmosphere motivated by hundred schools of philosophiers offered possibilities of research into Lao Zi and Zhuang Zi. The ancient life thought and critical tradition of hermit culture provided research source for their life philosophy. Influenced by Chu culture, Lao Zi and Zhuang Zi developed their life philosophy by combining the achievements of science and technology at that time with their own individual factors.Second, the essence theory of life. Tao is the themetaphysical base of the life philosophy. Tao is not only characterized as general realitiy, but abstraction which belongs to original essence theory. Lao Zi and Zhuang Zi hold the view that the esscence of Tao is nature. The natural Tao which is closely related to life is a theoretical presumption of their life philosophy. It is the foundation of life origin, the principle of life activity and the ideal state of life pursuit . From the perspective of unvaring Tao, Lao Zi gives prominence to Tao's being objective and knowledge with the aim of providing bases and principles for life. From the perspective of varing Tao, Zhuang Zi lays much emphasis on Tao's being spiritual and ideal with an effort to probe into the spiritual world of life. Being subject and individualization of Tao, virtue with nature as its essence is embodiment of Tao. Qi is material of life. Zhuang Zi views that Qi consists of material and spirit. Grounding on the nature of Tao and virtue, Lao Zi and Zhuang Zi develop the theory of human nature and focus on the meaning of being alive. On the contrary, Confucianism sticks to the theory of human ethics. So there is distinct difference between the theories of life culture held by Taoism and Confucianism. Zhuang Zi sticks to the theory of human nature and freedom.Third, the theory of life value. Using On criticism for the theory of wordly life value, Lao Zi and Zhuang Zi regard nature as the essence of life value. Nature is truth, goodness and beauty of life. To understand the truth, goodness and beauty, some special approaches should be resorted to. When distinguishing pratice of Tao from learning, Lao Zi advocates rational intuition named Guan. By contrast, When distinguishing following nature from following man, Zhuang Zi advocates rational intuition named no self. Analogy adopted by Lao Zi, allegory, the realm of dreams, myth and body thinking employed by Zhuang Zi constitute their life thought.Fourth, the theory of life course. The core of process theory of life is theory of life and death. Lao Zi and Zhuang Zi hold the view that life exists in the form of time and space. In accordance with the characteristices of time and space, life is characterized as being limited and unlimited. The course of life and death is also a course of transformation of things and transcendence. The idea of nourishing life by Lao Zi and Zhuang Zi includes the following elements: nourishing body, Qi and spirit.Fifth, the theory of life state. Lao Zi and Zhuang Zi view that life state is arranged in such a hierarchy as utilitarian state, realm of safety of body and free realm.Common people are classified into utilitarian realm. Lao Zi values realm of safety of body, while Zhuang Zi seek after the state of freedom. The differcence in life realm results in difference in their ideal personality. Lao zi's ideal personality concerns about the safety of life and security of socity. Zhuang Zi's ideal personality seeks for freedom.