ABSTRACT
This chapter is devoted to Heidegger’s connection with Daoist thinking. First I inquire into his reference to the word dao in “The Nature of Language” (1957/58) and “The Principle of Identity” (1957). I argue that, only when interpreted in the particular manner, or thought in the nature as Heidegger has prescribed, can dao be said to refer to Weg (way). Weg is the standard against which dao is measured. This is because Weg is the primary and grounding word-thing in Heidegger’s thought. Heidegger’s involvement with Hsiao Shih-yi in an attempt at translating the Daodejing has been a matter of controversy. I defer my survey of this event to the Chapter seven.
