THESIS
2020
Abstract
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...[
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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.
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