Conceptual Analyses of the Zhuangzi

Abstract

Philosophical interpretations of the Zhuangzi have taken as their center the abstract discussions in the second of the Inner Chapters, the Qi Wu Lun. Ever since Guo Xiang in the Jin dynasty, the text has been read as advocating linguistic, ethical, and epistemological relativism. Influential interpretations among Western scholars include the mystically oriented relativism of A. C. Graham and the skeptical relativism of Chad Hansen. More recently, Lisa Raphals and Paul Kjellberg have separately proposed that the text be interpreted as a therapeutic form of skepticism. In this chapter, I explain these views and provide critical analyses. I end with my own interpretation that avoids attributing to the Zhuangzi the intellectual weaknesses of either relativism or skepticism. I interpret the Zhuangzi as a philosophy of life that advocates an ontology of transformation in which successful human life requires acceptance of indeterminacy and an intuitive responsiveness to changing circumstances.