Introduction to Taoist Thought

📘 Course Title: Introduction to Taoist Thought


📚 Course Description:

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the foundational principles, texts, and practices of Taoist philosophy. Centered on the Tao Te Ching, Zhuangzi, and later Taoist commentaries, students will examine the metaphysical, ethical, and cosmological dimensions of Taoism. Emphasis will be placed on the lived and experiential nature of Taoist wisdom, including its views on spontaneity (ziran), non-action (wu wei), and harmony with the Tao.


🎯 Course Objectives:

By the end of the course, students will:

  • Understand the historical and cultural origins of Taoist philosophy.
  • Interpret key Taoist texts and recognize their central themes.
  • Analyze concepts such as Tao, wu wei, yin-yang, and ziran.
  • Reflect on the application of Taoist principles in daily life and other philosophical traditions.
  • Differentiate between philosophical (Daojia) and religious (Daojiao) Taoism.


🗓️ Weekly Breakdown:

Week 1: Origins and Overview

  • Early Chinese philosophy context
  • Laozi and Zhuangzi: Historical background
  • Defining Taoism: Philosophy vs Religion

Week 2: The Tao and the Way of Nature

  • Concept of the Tao (The Way)
  • Cosmology and metaphysics of Tao
  • Readings: Tao Te Ching Chapters 1–10

Week 3: Wu Wei – Effortless Action

  • Meaning and implications of non-action
  • Wu wei in leadership and ethics
  • Readings: Tao Te Ching Chapters 11–20

Week 4: Ziran and Simplicity

  • Naturalness and spontaneity
  • Critique of social constructs and ambition
  • Readings: Zhuangzi selections (Inner Chapters)

Week 5: Yin-Yang and Complementarity

  • Taoist cosmology and duality
  • The balance of opposites and transformation
  • Visual culture: Taoist symbols and imagery

Week 6: The Taoist Sage and the Ideal Life

  • Portraits of sages in Laozi and Zhuangzi
  • Emptiness, humility, and stillness
  • Role of paradox in Taoist language

Week 7: Taoist Ethics and Society

  • Taoism vs Confucianism
  • Social critique and the rejection of rigid morality
  • Applications to modern issues

Week 8: Religious Taoism and Later Developments

  • Immortality, alchemy, and ritual practices
  • Taoism in art, medicine, and martial arts
  • Encounter with Buddhism and the West


📖 Key Texts:

  • Tao Te Ching (trans. D.C. Lau or Ursula Le Guin)
  • Zhuangzi (trans. Burton Watson)
  • The Book of Lieh-tzu (optional)
  • Selected scholarly commentary (e.g., Chad Hansen, Benjamin Hoff for lighter intro)