Taoist Cosmology and Nature
Course Title: Taoist Cosmology and Nature
Course Code: TAO-204
Credits: 3
Level: Undergraduate (Junior/Senior)
Prerequisites: Introduction to Taoism or permission of instructor
Course Description
This course explores the cosmological views of Taoism and its deep interconnection with the natural world. Drawing from foundational texts such as the Tao Te Ching, Zhuangzi, and later Taoist works, students will examine how Taoist thinkers conceptualize the cosmos, nature, the body, and the Dao itself. Emphasis is placed on understanding Taoist naturalism, non-duality, and the relationship between humans and the environment. The course also includes comparisons with other worldviews, reflections on ecological thinking, and practical engagement with Taoist meditative and observational techniques.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Analyze key Taoist texts for their cosmological and natural philosophies.
- Articulate the Taoist understanding of nature and its ethical implications.
- Compare Taoist cosmology with Western metaphysical frameworks.
- Evaluate how Taoism informs ecological thinking and environmental ethics.
- Apply Taoist perspectives to contemporary issues of nature, science, and sustainability.
Required Texts
- Tao Te Ching – trans. by D.C. Lau or Ursula Le Guin
- Zhuangzi – selected chapters (trans. by Burton Watson)
- The Secret of the Golden Flower – trans. by Thomas Cleary
- Nature, Environment and Culture in East Asia: The Challenge of Climate Change – ed. by Ts’ui-jung Liu
- Selected scholarly articles (provided via LMS)
Syllabus Outline
Week 1: Introduction to Taoism and Cosmology
- Course overview and expectations
- What is cosmology? What is Taoism?
- Readings: Tao Te Ching Chapters 1–5
Week 2: The Dao as Source and Process
- The Dao as nameless origin and flow
- Wu (non-being) and you (being)
- Readings: Tao Te Ching 6–15; Zhuangzi Inner Chapters 1–2
Week 3: Non-Duality and Complementarity
- Yin and Yang, five phases (wuxing)
- Taoist views on unity of opposites
- Readings: Zhuangzi Chapters 3–6
Week 4: Nature and Spontaneity (Ziran)
- Ziran as naturalness and authenticity
- Human alignment with the Dao
- Readings: Tao Te Ching 16–25
Week 5: The Body, Breath, and Energy in Taoist Practice
- Qi (chi), jing, shen and the microcosmic body
- Taoist inner alchemy and health
- Readings: Secret of the Golden Flower (excerpts)
Week 6: Taoism and Ecology
- Taoist perspectives on nature conservation
- Comparison with Western environmental ethics
- Reading: Scholarly article: "Taoism and Ecological Ethics"
Week 7: Midterm Review and Presentations
- Student presentations on selected texts or ideas
- Midterm exam (short answer + essay)
Week 8: Taoist Cosmology in Later Traditions
- Celestial bureaucracy, talismans, and sacred mountains
- Integration with folk beliefs and rituals
- Readings: Daozang excerpts (provided in class)
Week 9: Modern Science and Taoist Thought
- Taoism and systems thinking
- The Dao of physics and complexity theory
- Readings: Excerpt from The Tao of Physics by Fritjof Capra
Week 10: Environmental Crises and Taoist Ethics
- Applying Taoist ideas to climate change and sustainability
- Student-led discussion and case studies
- Readings: Nature, Environment and Culture in East Asia (selected chapters)
Week 11: Fieldwork and Nature Observation
- Nature walk or field study + journaling
- Taoist nature observation and sketching exercise
Week 12: Final Project Workshop
- Guidance on final essays or creative projects
- Peer feedback and proposal presentation
Week 13: Final Presentations
- Presentations of final projects: essays, artistic works, or meditative journals
Week 14: Course Review and Reflection
- Reflections on Taoist cosmology today
- Discussion: what does it mean to “live in accordance with the Dao”?
- Final paper due
Grading Breakdown
- Participation and Discussion: 15%
- Midterm Exam: 20%
- Nature Observation Journal: 15%
- Class Presentation: 15%
- Final Project (Paper or Creative Work): 35%