Abstract

This dissertation examines the function of non-being in the philosophy of Lao Tzu described in his book, Tao-Te-Ching. It answers some critical objections concerning the philosophical characteristics of Tao-Te-Ching. Which for centuries, appeared as mystical, spiritual and legendary, and shows the consistency of Lao Tzu's philosophy of non-being. ;Chapter I provides an introduction of the doctrine of Tao-Te-Ching. The first half inquires into the meaning of Tao, its activities and its permanent law. The second part is a specific introduction, analysing the concept of non-being and attempting to determine how this non-being concept became the basic idea which underlies the total doctrine of Lao Tzu. ;Chapter II discusses the Taoist concept of cosmology, analyzes the different aspects under which the concept of Tao is to be clarified and the belief that all creation emerges from Tao. The thesis also shows the role of non-being relating to the Taoist concept of nature. ;Chapter III elaborates on Lao Tzu's philosophy of politics by elucidating Lao Tzu's doctrine of Wu-Wei, as well as his attitude towards war and his ideal state, concluding with the possible application of Lao Tzu's doctrine in today's society. ;Chapter IV focuses on Lao Tzu's philosophy of ethics by investigating the meaning of the doctrine of non-desire, non-striking and non-competing. Thesis presents a special consideration of the teaching without words, and concludes by defining the telos of Taoist ethical theory in facing the problem of individual responsibility. ;Chapter V provides a critique of Lao Tzu philosophy of non-being, both from without and from within, and traces the continuing development of Taoist metaphysics of non-being. ;Chapter VI presents a particular consideration of the Taoist synthesis of human knowledge and action in concretization of the holy man, and analyzes the fundamental characteristics of the new way of thinking called "Triduism." ;The final Chapter will both examine the further direction of Lao Tzu's thinking within the framework of the traditional Eastern cultural mentality and propose the possibility of overcoming the East-West dichotomy. Lao Tzu's philosophy of non-being might be considered as an answer to Max Scheler's search for the necessary internal spiritual and human demands for an "Era of Harmonization."