The Ethical Foundations of Early Daoism

The Ethical Foundations of Early Daoism: Zhuangzi's Unique Moral Vision argues that we can read early Daoist texts as works of moral philosophy that speak to perennial concerns about the well-lived life in the context of the Way. Lee argues that we can interpret early Daoism as an ethics of attunement.

"This is an elegant study of one of the world's most insightful, original, and inspiring thinkers. Lee does a fine job weaving various strands of the Zhuangzi into a unified vision of human beings in harmony with or as he aptly puts it "attuned to" the Dao. His reading offers a compelling and immensely important alternative to traditional Confucian and modern western interpreters who attempt to portray Zhuangzi as an amoralist unconcerned with values and indifferent to the world."

Philip J. Ivanhoe, Professor of East Asian & Comparative Philosophy & Religion and Director of the Center for East Asian and Comparative Philosophy (CEACOP), City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.

'Dr. Lee's work presents a thoughtful and ingenious analysis of different aspects of ethical thinking and moral living in the Zhuangzi. Making ample use of a wide range of sources - ancient Chinese philosophy, traditional Western thought, modern scholarship in philosophy, anthropology, and more - it highlights issues of universal harmony, community, friendship, rulership, and death, weaving multiple strands of powerful reflection throughout. The book makes an invaluable contribution to our understanding of moral thinking in general and ancient Chinese thought in particular.'

Livia Kohn, Professor Emerita, Boston University, USA

'Jung Lee's highly original analysis of the implicit hidden ethical thinking in the Zhuangzi makes an important contribution to both the comparative philosophy of religious ethics and to filling the gaps in our understanding and appreciation of this important classical Daoist work. It is a nuanced and fascinating interpretation of the text.'

Harold D. Roth Professor of Religious Studies, Brown University, USA

Jung H. Lee is Assistant Professor of Religious Studies in the Department of Philosophy and Religion at Northeastern University, USA