Zhuangzi

Abstract

Zhuangzi (ca. 369–286 BCE ), along with Laozi, is a seminal figure in philosophical Daoism ( see Laozi; Daoist Ethics). The 33‐chapter text of the Zhuangzi is a result of extensive editing by the fourth‐century commentator Guo Xiang ( see Guo Xiang) and it is widely believed that the first seven (“Inner”) chapters were either written by the historical Zhuangzi or best represent his thought (Graham 1979; Liu 1994). However, some central themes can be discerned throughout the text. These are encapsulated in the remark by Xunzi ( see Xunzi) that Zhuangzi was blinded by heaven and did not pay attention to human beings (Knoblock 1994: 102). We may analyze this statement to bring out the main features of Zhuangzi's philosophical ethics.

Open‐mindedness and ajar‐mindedness in history of philosophy

“…The most powerful argument that I have come across in the history of philosophy for the virtues of both open-mindedness and ajar-mindedness is provided-or better, performed-in the Zhuangzi, one of the founding texts of Daoism and the most exhilarating work in the whole of ancient Chinese literature (for a readable translation, see Zhuangzi 2013Zhuangzi [1968). In challenging views such as Confucianism, with its emphasis on strict adherence to rituals and faithful fulfilment of our social roles, it can be read as a critique of closed-mindedness, and in its ajar-minded use of stories, dialogues, aphorisms, arguments, parables, parodies, paradoxes, neologisms, and wordplay, it teaches us open-mindedness.…”