Morehead State University
An Analysis of the Elements of Relativism and Skepticism within Taoism
Institution
Morehead State University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Wendell O’Brien
Abstract
The Taoist philosophy embraces several defining theories and conceptions that collectively act as the foundational elements to this distinct way of thought. This study provides an analysis of two major components central to the Taoist philosophy: relativism and skepticism. These two particular inherent Taoist qualities have greatly shaped the position of Taosim within the realm of world philosophies and have also acted as precursors to various relativist and skeptic systems of thought in both the East and the West. Chuang Tzu's "The Chuang Tzu" is an extremely influential Taoist text and provides a collection of sayings and parables that illustrate the strong relativist and skeptic attitude particular to Chuang Tzu's form of Taoism. This study is limited mainly with the first seven chapters, known as the "Inner Chapters", of "The Chuang Tzu" and will be used as the basis for analysis.
An Analysis of the Elements of Relativism and Skepticism within Taoism
The Taoist philosophy embraces several defining theories and conceptions that collectively act as the foundational elements to this distinct way of thought. This study provides an analysis of two major components central to the Taoist philosophy: relativism and skepticism. These two particular inherent Taoist qualities have greatly shaped the position of Taosim within the realm of world philosophies and have also acted as precursors to various relativist and skeptic systems of thought in both the East and the West. Chuang Tzu's "The Chuang Tzu" is an extremely influential Taoist text and provides a collection of sayings and parables that illustrate the strong relativist and skeptic attitude particular to Chuang Tzu's form of Taoism. This study is limited mainly with the first seven chapters, known as the "Inner Chapters", of "The Chuang Tzu" and will be used as the basis for analysis.