ABSTRACT

Daoism: A Contemporary Philosophical Investigation explores philosophy of religion from a Daoist perspective. Philosophy of religion is a thriving field today, increasingly expanding from its traditional theistic, Christian roots into more cosmologically oriented Asian religions. This book raises a number of different issues on the three levels of cosmos, individual, and society, and addresses key questions like:

  • What are the distinctive characteristics of Daoist thought and cosmology?
  • How does it approach problems of creation, body, mind, and society?
  • What, ultimately, is Dao?
  • How does it manifest and play a role in the world?
  • What are the key features of Daoist communities and ethics?
  • What role does the body play in Daoism?
  • What do Daoists think is the relationship between language and reality?
  • What is Daoist immortality?
  • How do Daoists envision the perfect life on earth?

The volume delves into philosophical subject matter in a way that is accessible to those approaching the topic for this first time, while also making an original contribution to Daoist philosophy of religion. This volume is suitable for use by undergraduate and graduate students studying Chinese religion and philosophy, as well as more general introductory courses on Daoism.

chapter |12 pages

Introduction

The nature of Daoism

part I|2 pages

Reality

chapter 1|11 pages

Ultimate reality

chapter 2|10 pages

The world

chapter 3|11 pages

Heavens and hells

part II|2 pages

Humanity

chapter 4|13 pages

The body

chapter 5|11 pages

Mind, thoughts, and emotions

chapter 6|12 pages

The human condition

part III|2 pages

Community

chapter 7|12 pages

Forms of community

chapter 8|11 pages

Women and the family

chapter 9|11 pages

Leadership

part IV|2 pages

Ethics

chapter 10|9 pages

Daoist ethics

chapter 11|11 pages

The nature of evil

chapter 12|12 pages

Religious precepts

chapter 13|12 pages

Karmic consequences

part V|2 pages

Perfection

chapter 14|11 pages

Selfhood and spontaneity

chapter 15|10 pages

The perfect human

chapter 16|12 pages

Immortality

chapter |8 pages

Conclusion

Contemporary connections