New Book on Daoist Philosophy

A forthcoming book:

Steve Coutinho, An Introduction to Daoist Philosophies (Columbia University Press, November 2013)

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.

Paper, 256 pages,
ISBN: 978-0-231-14339-4
$25.00 / £17.50

Cloth, 256 pages,
ISBN: 978-0-231-14338-7
$75.00 / £52.00

Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

1. Daoist Philosophies

2. Fundamental Concepts of Chinese Philosophy

3. The Laozi

4. The Zhuangzi: Inner Chapters and Zhuangzian Philosophy

5. The Outer and Miscellaneous Chapters of the Zhuangzi: From Anarchist Utopianism to Mystical Imperialism

6. The Liezi

7. Philosophy of Skill in the Zhuangzi and Liezi

Afterword: A Family of Dao

Notes

Bibliography

Index

About the Author: Steve Coutinho is associate professor of philosophy at Muhlenberg College and the author of Zhuangzi and Early Chinese Philosophy: Vagueness, Transformation, and Paradox.

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