Excursions on the way: A comparative study of Wang Bi's Laozi and John Finnis' new classical natural law theory with special attention to the relations between metaphysical speculation and political theorizing

Abstract

This thesis compares Aquinasa?? Natural Law Theory as defended by John Finnis and Wang Bia??s commentarial reading of the Laozi. I argue that both traditions do not develop metaphysical claims in order to infer political strategies; rather the reverse is true. I also surface strong similarities between the metaphysics of the Dao and the thomistic metaphysical doctrine of God. While both traditions share similar negative strategies informed by their appreciation of the limits of the use of coercive action to create the desired society, there remains differences when it comes to applying positive strategies. Finally, I explain how metaphysics re-enters in the natural law theoristsa?? political theorizing by attending to the realization that practically reasonable political action is an analogous likening and fulfillment of Goda??s very own Normative Being and Will. This however, does not feature very much in Wanga??s Laozi.