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An Introduction to Daoist Philosophies
Steve Coutinho explores in detail the fundamental concepts of Daoist thought as represented in three early texts: the Laozi , the Zhuangzi , and the Liezi . Readers interested in philosophy yet unfamiliar with Daoism will gain a comprehensive understanding of these works from this analysis, and readers fascinated by ancient China who also wish to grasp its philosophical foundations will appreciate the clarity and depth of Coutinho's explanations.
Coutinho writes a volume for all readers, whether or not they have a background in philosophy or Chinese studies. A work of comparative philosophy, this volume also integrates the concepts and methods of contemporary philosophical discourse into a discussion of early Chinese thought. The resulting dialogue relates ancient Chinese thought to contemporary philosophical issues and uses modern Western ideas and approaches to throw new interpretive light on classical texts. Rather than function as historical curiosities, these works act as living philosophies in conversation with contemporary thought and experience. Coutinho respects the multiplicity of Daoist philosophies while also revealing a distinctive philosophical sensibility, and he provides clear explanations of these complex texts without resorting to oversimplification.
Coutinho writes a volume for all readers, whether or not they have a background in philosophy or Chinese studies. A work of comparative philosophy, this volume also integrates the concepts and methods of contemporary philosophical discourse into a discussion of early Chinese thought. The resulting dialogue relates ancient Chinese thought to contemporary philosophical issues and uses modern Western ideas and approaches to throw new interpretive light on classical texts. Rather than function as historical curiosities, these works act as living philosophies in conversation with contemporary thought and experience. Coutinho respects the multiplicity of Daoist philosophies while also revealing a distinctive philosophical sensibility, and he provides clear explanations of these complex texts without resorting to oversimplification.
- GenresPhilosophyTaoism
248 pages, Hardcover
First published November 5, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 13, 2021
The best synthesis of a modern philosophical approach to Daoism and its core source materials I have yet seen.
December 11, 2019
After the first chapter and a half, it becomes a good discussion of philosophical ideas within the three foundational Daoist texts. The last chapter talks entirely about skill within the Zhuangzi and Liezi which seemed unnecessary to me, it's not a strong point of Daoism and it didn't seem to be a particularly important part of those texts either. But the rest is good, if a bit dry at times.
Although it must be said, it is never really explained where the division lies between being artificial and cultivating you naturalness, but this might be because it is never explained in the original texts. I haven't tried other introducing daoism texts so I can't compare unfortunately.
Although it must be said, it is never really explained where the division lies between being artificial and cultivating you naturalness, but this might be because it is never explained in the original texts. I haven't tried other introducing daoism texts so I can't compare unfortunately.
October 11, 2020
It probably helps that Coutinho approaches Zhuangzi as I prefer to, from an existentialist and even Stoic perspective, rather than treating Zhuangzi as espousing religious ideals or relativism or skepticism. Regardless of perspective, though, Coutinho is an expert and a very clear and engaging writer. The structure of chapters moves from placing the subject matter in a historical context to giving a textual overview to providing an overview of his own opinions of the meaning of the text, all in a way that is very accessible to lay readers.
September 6, 2022
Pretty good. The introduction of Chinese characters into the English text gives completely required and necessary references for those who read/write Chinese and elucidates just what is being discussed from what reference. I felt the end thoughts were a bit incomplete, however in general this is pretty much the best introduction to Daoism you will get. As a person who has read the Daoist classics himself, this provided value interrelation of the concepts that is not normally otherwise available.
February 15, 2024
Fascinating subject, didn't like the book very much. Still, due for a reread.
February 9, 2016
I've been dabbling in Daoist philosophy for decades, but I'm not an expert. I recently started teaching a unit on Daoism as part of an Intro to Asian Philosophy course, and I was looking for a solid introduction to move beyond my passing familiarity. A friend suggested this, so I picked it up. Having read it, I can recommend this for readers looking to immerse themselves a bit more in the Dao (or daos).
Coutinho's approach leans in the direction of contemporary continental philosophy and occasionally pragmatism, which is not atypical for people studying Chinese philosophy these days. This isn't a criticism, since I think that approach makes a lot of sense, but readers looking for other approaches (religious studies, historical, mystical, non-continental, etc.) may have less appreciation for what Coutinho offers.
As a non-expert I can't speak as to whether Coutinho is making many novel claims, although I find his occasional comparisons between Zhuangzi and the Stoics to be quite interesting. The strongest parts of the book are the discussions of various Daoist concepts and his overviews of some of the contemporary scholarly disputes. I tend to take Zhuangzi as doing something somewhat like the ancient Pyrrhonian Skeptics, and I think Coutinho's discussion of that interpretation (p.117-119) was a bit short sighted (it's not clear to me, for example, that the Pyrrhonians made any normative claims as Coutinho seems to think). But I can't complain too much for an overview that will invite readers to delve deeper into these issues for themselves.
Coutinho's approach leans in the direction of contemporary continental philosophy and occasionally pragmatism, which is not atypical for people studying Chinese philosophy these days. This isn't a criticism, since I think that approach makes a lot of sense, but readers looking for other approaches (religious studies, historical, mystical, non-continental, etc.) may have less appreciation for what Coutinho offers.
As a non-expert I can't speak as to whether Coutinho is making many novel claims, although I find his occasional comparisons between Zhuangzi and the Stoics to be quite interesting. The strongest parts of the book are the discussions of various Daoist concepts and his overviews of some of the contemporary scholarly disputes. I tend to take Zhuangzi as doing something somewhat like the ancient Pyrrhonian Skeptics, and I think Coutinho's discussion of that interpretation (p.117-119) was a bit short sighted (it's not clear to me, for example, that the Pyrrhonians made any normative claims as Coutinho seems to think). But I can't complain too much for an overview that will invite readers to delve deeper into these issues for themselves.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews