Tao Te Ching · Question
How does Tao Te Ching develop the theme of Critique of Conventional Virtue?
Answer
Tao Te Ching by Laozi develops Critique of Conventional Virtue across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The book critiques Confucian virtues like benevolence, righteousness, and propriety, arguing that they emerge only when the Tao is lost, and that they represent a decline from a more natural, unselfconscious state of harmony.
Legge discusses the opposition between Taoism and Confucianism, highlighting Taoism's critique of Confucian moral and social principles.
Chuang-tzŭ's condemnation of Huang Ti for disturbing the 'State of Perfect Unity' suggests a critique of conventional governance and virtue.
Chuang-tzŭ satirizes Confucians and Mohists, exposing their doctrines through metaphorical illustrations.
Evidence in the book
- Preface by James Legge
Legge discusses the opposition between Taoism and Confucianism, highlighting Taoism's critique of Confucian moral and social principles.
- Was Taoism Older Than Laozi?
Chuang-tzŭ's condemnation of Huang Ti for disturbing the 'State of Perfect Unity' suggests a critique of conventional governance and virtue.
- Accounts of Laozi and Chuang-Tzŭ Given by Ssŭ-Ma Chʽien
Chuang-tzŭ satirizes Confucians and Mohists, exposing their doctrines through metaphorical illustrations.
- V
Heaven, Earth, and sages do not act from benevolence (jen), treating all things and people as straw dogs—an impersonal, non-interventionist approach that critiques conventional moralizing.
- Chapter XVIII
The chapter argues that benevolence, righteousness, wisdom, and loyalty emerge only after the Great Tao is abandoned, implying these conventional virtues are signs of decline.
- XIX
The chapter directly calls for discarding sageness, wisdom, benevolence, and righteousness as harmful to the people.
- XXXI
The chapter subverts conventional martial honor by associating victory with mourning and treating weapons as instruments of evil, challenging societal norms about war.
- Chapter XXXVIII
The chapter deconstructs benevolence, righteousness, and propriety as inferior substitutes when the Tao is lost.
