How Dao and De Can Shape a Plausible Zhuangist Ethics
摘要
In two previous essays, I have proposed that certain threads of discourse in the Zhuangzi present an ethical outlook revolving around the paired concepts of dao 道, or ways or paths, and de 德, the agentive powers by which we pursue ways or paths. Lam Hong Ki 林康琪 presents a forceful, invigorating challenge to several aspects of my interpretation of a Zhuangist ethical outlook. Her discussion reveals several respects in which my previous treatments were insufficiently clear or precise. I am grateful for her meticulous critical appraisal, which highlights several dimensions along which I need to elaborate my proposed interpretation.