Abstract

Daoism, broadly considered, is a global living tradition with roots in early Chinese philosophical texts, encompassing scholarly, religious, and practical elements. This article examines its key ethical, political, and metaethical dimensions, particularly as expressed in the Laozi and the Zhuangzi. These texts aspire to speak from the broadest of perspectives, pushing us beyond all-too-human considerations. Daoist philosophy recognizes how extremes tend to be eroded by their opposites. They caution against holding firmly to absolute ethical positions and against adopting overweening political ambitions. A Daoist ethical-political approach is one of not overdoing things, and allowing things to get done of their own accord.