About the book
The Daoist Zhuangzi has often been read as a mystical philosopher. But there is another tradition, beginning with the Han dynasty historian Sima Qian, which sees him as a critic of the Confucians. Kim-chong Chong analyzes the Inner Chapters of the Zhuangzi, demonstrating how Zhuangzi criticized the pre-Qin Confucians through metaphorical inversion and parody. This is indicated by the subtitle, \"Blinded by the Human,\" which is an inversion of the Confucian philosopher Xunzi's remark that Zhuangzi was \"blinded by heaven and did not know the human.\" Chong compares Zhuangzi's Daoist thought to Confucianism, as exemplified by Confucius, Mencius, and Xunzi. By analyzing and comparing the different implications of concepts such as \"heaven,\" \"heart-mind,\" and \"transformation,\" Chong shows how Zhuangzi can be said to provide the resources for a more pluralistic and liberal philosophy than the Confucians.
Editions of Zhuangzi's Critique of the Confucians
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781438462851
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781438462844
- PDF
- ISBN 9781438462868
Read an Excerpt
The Daoist Zhuangzi has often been read as a mystical philosopher. But there is another tradition, beginning with the Han dynasty historian Sima Qian, which sees him as a critic of the Confucians. Kim-chong Chong analyzes the Inner Chapters of the Zhuangzi, demonstrating how Zhuangzi criticized the pre-Qin Confucians through metaphorical inversion and parody. This is indicated by the subtitle, \"Blinded by the Human,\" which is an inversion of the Confucian philosopher Xunzi's remark that Zhuangzi was \"blinded by heaven and did not know the human.\" Chong compares Zhuangzi's Daoist thought to Confucianism, as exemplified by Confucius, Mencius, and Xunzi. By analyzing and comparing the different implications of concepts such as \"heaven,\" \"heart-mind,\" and \"transformation,\" Chong shows how Zhuangzi can be said to provide the resources for a more pluralistic and liberal philosophy than the Confucians.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zhuangzi's Critique of the Confucians about?
The Daoist Zhuangzi has often been read as a mystical philosopher. But there is another tradition, beginning with the Han dynasty historian Sima Qian, which sees him as a critic of the Confucians. Kim-chong Chong analyzes the Inner Chapters of the Zhuangzi, demonstrating how Zhuangzi criticized the pre-Qin Confucians through metaphorical inversion and parody. This is indicated by the subtitle, \"Blinded by the Human,\" which is an inversion of the Confucian philosopher Xunzi's remark that Zhuangzi was \"blinded by heaven and did not know the human.\" Chong compares Zhuangzi's Daoist thought to Confucianism, as exemplified by Confucius, Mencius, and Xunzi. By analyzing and comparing the different implications of concepts such as \"heaven,\" \"heart-mind,\" and \"transformation,\" Chong shows how Zhuangzi can be said to provide the resources for a more pluralistic and liberal philosophy than the Confucians.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Zhuangzi's Critique of the Confucians?
Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Further religions and spiritual beliefs, > East Asian religions and spiritual beliefs > Taoism
Where can I read a sample of Zhuangzi's Critique of the Confucians?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781438462851
How long is Zhuangzi's Critique of the Confucians and how many pages does it have?
Zhuangzi's Critique of the Confucians has 210 page(s)
Is Zhuangzi's Critique of the Confucians part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series SUNY series in Chinese Philosophy and Culture
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Zhuangzi's Critique of the Confucians?
Kim-chong Chong
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Zhuangzi's Critique of the Confucians is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781438462851) and paperback(ISBN 9781438462844) and pdf(ISBN 9781438462868)
Where can I buy Zhuangzi's Critique of the Confucians online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy Zhuangzi's Critique of the Confucians?