Daoist Ethics in Contemporary Society
"Daoist Ethics in Contemporary Society" is suitable for upper-level undergraduates or graduate students in philosophy, religious studies, or East Asian studies.
Course Title: Daoist Ethics in Contemporary Society
- Course Code: DAO-402
- Level: Upper Undergraduate / Graduate
- Credits: 3
- Prerequisites: Introduction to Philosophy or Introduction to East Asian Religions (recommended)
Course Description:
This course explores the ethical dimensions of Daoism as they relate to contemporary social, environmental, and political issues. Students will examine foundational Daoist texts, such as the Daodejing, Zhuangzi, and Huainanzi, with an emphasis on how these sources articulate values like non-action (wu wei), simplicity, spontaneity, and harmony with nature. Through comparative analysis and critical engagement, students will consider how Daoist ethics can inform responses to current ethical dilemmas including consumerism, ecological crisis, AI and technology, governance, and individual well-being in a fast-paced world.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Identify key ethical principles in classical Daoist texts.
- Critically evaluate the relevance of Daoist ethics to contemporary moral issues.
- Compare Daoist ethical perspectives with other ethical traditions.
- Develop reasoned arguments about how Daoist values can inform modern practices in personal and societal contexts.
Course Structure & Weekly Topics:
Week 1: Introduction to Daoist Thought and Ethics
Week 2: Wu Wei and the Paradox of Non-Action
Week 3: Nature, Harmony, and Environmental Ethics
Week 4: Simplicity and Minimalism in a Consumer Society
Week 5: Daoist Perspectives on Governance and Power
Week 6: Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and the Dao
Week 7: Health, Well-being, and Inner Cultivation
Week 8: Ethics of Spontaneity and Play in Zhuangzi
Week 9: Comparative Ethics: Daoism and Confucianism
Week 10: Daoist Feminism and Gender Perspectives
Week 11: Daoist Communities and Social Justice
Week 12: Applied Daoism: Case Studies and Ethical Praxis
Week 13: Student Presentations
Week 14: Final Discussions and Reflections
Readings:
Primary Texts:
- Daodejing (Laozi), trans. D.C. Lau or Roger Ames
- Zhuangzi, trans. Burton Watson or Brook Ziporyn
- Huainanzi (excerpts)
Secondary Sources:
- James Miller, China’s Green Religion: Daoism and the Quest for a Sustainable Future
- Livia Kohn, Daoism and Ecology
- Chad Hansen, A Daoist Theory of Chinese Thought
Additional readings will be provided through course reserves and journal articles.
Assessment:
- Weekly Reading Reflections (20%)
- Midterm Essay (20%)
- Seminar Participation (15%)
- Case Study Analysis (20%)
- Final Research Paper or Project (25%)