Non-Relativism in the Zhuangzi: A Spiritual Journey (Departmental Seminar)

Abstract:

My plan is to illustrate the thesis of non-relativism in the Inner Chapters 內篇 of the Zhuangzi 莊子 through an analysis of key statements (a). I start with the opening sentence of the Zhuangzi that narrates the story of the great fish Kun 鯤 that changes to the great bird, Peng 鵬. I interpret this story as setting the theme of the chapters to follow to be the theme of self-transformation. The one-way fish-bird transformation is the metaphor for the endorsement of self-transformation on the part of the subject reader. That the transformation is one way, from fish to bird and not back to fish again, is an indication that the transformation of which the Zhuangzi endorses is not meant to be cyclical or endless, but is meant to be a one time and unidirectional transformation. In addition, the metaphor is intended to signify that the transformation entails an alteration from a limited standpoint to a standpoint that is free of most limitations and also enables a great scope of vision. It is not a transformation from Peng to Kun, but rather begins with Kun and transforms to Peng.

In addition to this opening metaphor, I intend to illustrate the thesis that this self-transformation is endorsed also supports the thesis that the Zhuangzi does not endorse either a metaphysical, epistemological, ethical or axiological relativism, but rather endorses the transformation from a lower and limited standpoint to a standpoint that is a higher standpoint and one which includes great vision and transcendental freedom. Such an endorsement lends strong support to the thesis that the Zhuangzi is a non-relativistic treatise. To further support the thesis of non-relativism, I intend to show that there are many statements in the Inner Chapters of the Zhuangzi that clearly indicate a preferential choice for one set of values over another set of values.

I plan to further support the thesis that the Zhuangzi is a non-relativistic treatise by analyzing a further class of statements (b). Class (b) of statements comprise statements that are ambiguous and seemingly could admit of the interpretation that there are no hierarchies of value. I plan to explicate these statements in order to disambiguate their connotation such that they no longer can admit of an interpretation that they connote a lack of hierarchical evaluation.

Delivered in English.
All are welcome.