This article aims to show that the concept of ＂naturalness＂ in the Laozi is able to provide cultural guidance concerning values for contemporary social development. Specifically, the Laozi＇s concept of ＂naturalnes...This article aims to show that the concept of ＂naturalness＂ in the Laozi is able to provide cultural guidance concerning values for contemporary social development. Specifically, the Laozi＇s concept of ＂naturalness＂-- manifested in the text＇s exhortation to ＂honor the dao and exalt the de＂ and its statement that ＂the dao models itself on naturalness＂--has profound ontological, political and social implications concerning ＂naturalness＂ that are strongly expressed through a variety of propositions including ＂achieving all through non-action＂ and ＂downsizing the state and simplifying the people.＂ With respect to the question about individuals living a life of appropriateness and establishing their destiny, the Laozi emphasizes such cultivation methods as ＂sticking to simplicity and authenticity＂ and ＂watching in quietude and observing in depth,＂ which are also infused with the conception of ＂naturalness,＂ which stresses the notion that understanding the harmony between man and nature can provide useful lessons for the development of contemporary human society.展开更多
Efforts are needed in ,the following three aspects in configuring contemporary Chinese philosophy： providing various value goals for various social groups; re-constructing the value objective for the Chinese; and pro...Efforts are needed in ,the following three aspects in configuring contemporary Chinese philosophy： providing various value goals for various social groups; re-constructing the value objective for the Chinese; and providing new human nature foundation for contemporary Chinese ethical conduct and legal system. Chinese, Western and Marxist philosophies must break disciplinary segmentation and take the reality of Chinese society and its trends of development as their common platform of thinking. By using their respective intellectual resources, they should endeavor to build up a social philosophy thatmay satisfy the needs of Chinese people and China＇s development, and is able to provide guides to their life and practice.展开更多
基金This essay is part of a key project of the National Social Science Foundation 2015 known as ＂Study of Core Values for Socialist System＂ （No. 2015MZDB011）.
文摘This article aims to show that the concept of ＂naturalness＂ in the Laozi is able to provide cultural guidance concerning values for contemporary social development. Specifically, the Laozi＇s concept of ＂naturalness＂-- manifested in the text＇s exhortation to ＂honor the dao and exalt the de＂ and its statement that ＂the dao models itself on naturalness＂--has profound ontological, political and social implications concerning ＂naturalness＂ that are strongly expressed through a variety of propositions including ＂achieving all through non-action＂ and ＂downsizing the state and simplifying the people.＂ With respect to the question about individuals living a life of appropriateness and establishing their destiny, the Laozi emphasizes such cultivation methods as ＂sticking to simplicity and authenticity＂ and ＂watching in quietude and observing in depth,＂ which are also infused with the conception of ＂naturalness,＂ which stresses the notion that understanding the harmony between man and nature can provide useful lessons for the development of contemporary human society.
文摘Efforts are needed in ,the following three aspects in configuring contemporary Chinese philosophy： providing various value goals for various social groups; re-constructing the value objective for the Chinese; and providing new human nature foundation for contemporary Chinese ethical conduct and legal system. Chinese, Western and Marxist philosophies must break disciplinary segmentation and take the reality of Chinese society and its trends of development as their common platform of thinking. By using their respective intellectual resources, they should endeavor to build up a social philosophy thatmay satisfy the needs of Chinese people and China＇s development, and is able to provide guides to their life and practice.
