Zhuangzi has been regarded as a Taoist philosopher since the Han dynasty. However, he had never explicitly referred himself as a Taoist. In the past decade, the argument of a “Confucian Zhuangzi” has become a heated topic in the academia; more research studies on this topic have been done. Taiwan scholar Yang Rur-bin (2016) puts forward a view of “Zhuangzi in the Confucian field”. Some scholars even claimed that Zhuangzi was a true follower of Confucius. To review the argument, this thesis analyzes the “Confucian Elements” shown in the Zhuangzi, mainly the image of Confucius portrayed in the book and rites, a significant concept in Confucius’ philosophy.

Through textual analysis of the Zhuangzi, this thesis shows the portrayal of Confucius is complicated, even contradictory in...[ Read more ]

Zhuangzi has been regarded as a Taoist philosopher since the Han dynasty. However, he had never explicitly referred himself as a Taoist. In the past decade, the argument of a “Confucian Zhuangzi” has become a heated topic in the academia; more research studies on this topic have been done. Taiwan scholar Yang Rur-bin (2016) puts forward a view of “Zhuangzi in the Confucian field”. Some scholars even claimed that Zhuangzi was a true follower of Confucius. To review the argument, this thesis analyzes the “Confucian Elements” shown in the Zhuangzi, mainly the image of Confucius portrayed in the book and rites, a significant concept in Confucius’ philosophy.

Through textual analysis of the Zhuangzi, this thesis shows the portrayal of Confucius is complicated, even contradictory in different chapters of the book. Though sometimes appears as a wise teacher to preach important Taoist concepts, sometimes Confucius appears to be “unenlightened”. With these different faces of Confucius, I argue that it is difficult to solely agree with Yang’s comment of a “basically positive” Confucius in the Zhuangzi.

The meaning and interpretation of rites in the view of Confucius and Zhuangzi are also investigated in this thesis. While Confucius values both the inner spirit and external practices of rites as a guideline of behaviour to harmonize the society; Zhuangzi focuses mainly on the inner spirit, i.e. to harmonize (“Qi”) with the Way. The distinctive feature of Zhuangzi’s “Qi” can also be shown in his view and use of language. The last chapter highlights his use of “goblet words” to illustrate how Zhuangzi realizes the limitations of language.

This thesis points out, the unique language style and Zhuangzi’s valuation of “Qi” can distinguish Zhuangzi’s philosophy with Confucius’, and this uniqueness allows Zhuangzi to stand out from other philosophers and establish his own philosophy.