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Zhuangzi's Ethics: A Reading of “In the Human World”

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2024

Zou Yun
Zou Yun*
Affiliation:
Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, RP China
*
Zou Yun, Institute of Philosophy, Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, 415, 622 Shunchang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200025, RP China. Email: zouyun@sass.org.cn
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Abstract

This brief essay aims to interpret the fourth chapter “In the Human World” of Zhuangzi by analyzing the seven fables in philosophical terms. The seven fables can be divided into two groups: the first three are concerned with how to be useful (youyong zhi yong 有用之用); the following four with “the use of the useless” (wuyong zhi yong 无用之用). From those two groups of fables, two different ways of life are identified in relation to the world. Zhuangzi's choice between them can be revealed in light of his art of speaking.

Keywords

ZhuangziIn the Human World (人间世)usefulnessChinese ancient ethicsDao
Type
Articles
Information
Diogenes , Volume 64 , Issue 1-2: Global Ethics , February 2017 , pp. 70 - 72
Copyright
Copyright © ICPHS 2022

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References

Ziporyn, B ed. (2020) Zhuangzi: the essential writings with selections from traditional commentaries. Indianapolis and Cambridge: Hackett.Google Scholar