Taoism and Ecology: Harmony with Nature
Course Title: Taoism and Ecology: Harmony with Nature
- Course Code: TAO/ECO 304
- Level: Upper-division undergraduate / graduate
- Credits: 3 semester hours
- Prerequisites: Intro to Eastern Philosophy or Environmental Studies 101 (or instructor consent)
Course Description:
This interdisciplinary course explores the intersection of Taoist philosophy and ecological thought. Drawing on classical Taoist texts such as the Tao Te Ching and Zhuangzi, alongside contemporary ecological theory and environmental ethics, students will examine the Taoist view of nature, non-intervention, flow, and balance. Through readings, discussion, and experiential learning, students will critically assess how Taoist concepts can inform and inspire sustainable living and ecological resilience in the face of modern environmental challenges.
Course Objectives:
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Interpret foundational Taoist texts with attention to ecological themes.
- Articulate Taoist perspectives on nature, non-duality, and wu wei.
- Compare Taoist ecological insights with modern environmental philosophies.
- Apply Taoist concepts to contemporary environmental issues.
- Develop a personal or communal ecological ethic grounded in Taoist principles.
Weekly Syllabus:
Week 1: Introduction
- Course overview
- What is Taoism? What is ecology?
- Reading: Selections from Tao Te Ching (Chs. 1, 2, 25); Capra, The Web of Life (Intro)
Week 2: Cosmology of the Tao
- Tao as origin and flow of the universe
- Yin-Yang and dynamic balance
- Reading: Tao Te Ching (Chs. 42, 76); Zhuangzi (Inner Chapters)
Week 3: Wu Wei and Non-Action
- Non-coercive action and ecological restraint
- Wu wei as ecological wisdom
- Reading: Zhuangzi (on Cook Ding, butterfly dream); Snyder, “The Etiquette of Freedom”
Week 4: Nature and the Sage
- The ideal human in harmony with nature
- Reading: Tao Te Ching (Chs. 8, 29); Zhuangzi (on the madman of Chu)
Week 5: Taoism and Indigenous Ecologies
- Comparative themes in indigenous cosmologies and Taoism
- Guest speaker or film screening
Week 6: Taoist Agriculture and Landscape
- Natural farming, permaculture, and Laozi’s simplicity
- Reading: Masanobu Fukuoka, The One-Straw Revolution (selections)
Week 7: Midterm Presentations
- Student-led presentations on Taoist ecological themes
Week 8: Taoism and Deep Ecology
- Deep ecology movement and Taoist resonance
- Reading: Arne Naess, “The Shallow and the Deep”; Laozi’s political chapters
Week 9: Ecological Crisis and Taoist Ethics
- Crisis of overcontrol, overconsumption
- Taoist critiques of anthropocentrism
- Reading: David Abram, The Spell of the Sensuous (ch. 1)
Week 10: Taoism, Technology, and Modernity
- Taoist limits on intervention and technocentrism
- Reading: Ivan Illich, “Silence is a Commons”; Zhuangzi satire of utility
Week 11: Meditation and Ecological Awareness
- Inner ecology and mindfulness in nature
- Experiential exercises in wu wei and natural observation
Week 12: Sacred Landscapes and Taoist Geography
- Mountains, rivers, and geomancy
- Reading: Robinet, Taoism: Growth of a Religion (ch. on Sacred Geography)
Week 13: Taoism and Climate Resilience
- Flexibility, adaptability, and resilience from Taoist perspective
- Final paper workshops
Week 14: Field Experience
- Visit to natural site or Taoist temple (if available)
- Reflective journaling and discussion
Week 15: Final Presentations and Synthesis
- Student projects/papers presented in colloquium format
Assessment:
- Participation and discussion: 20%
- Weekly reflection journals: 15%
- Midterm presentation: 20%
- Final project/paper (research or creative): 30%
- Field journal and experiential log: 15%
Primary Texts:
- Tao Te Ching (trans. D.C. Lau or Stephen Mitchell)
- Zhuangzi (trans. Burton Watson)
- Masanobu Fukuoka, The One-Straw Revolution
- Arne Naess, Ecology, Community and Lifestyle
- Selected academic and philosophical essays (PDFs provided)