郭象思想之“德”论——从养生和政治两个层面分析 = GUO XIANG’S IDEA OF DE NURTURANCE OF LIFE AND POLITICAL GOVERNANCE

Abstract

This study examines Guo Xiang’s idea of de (inner power) based on his commentary of the Zhuangzi and the Analects. Guo Xiang introduces the idea of wuxin (no-mind) to explain the nature of de. For Guo Xiang, de consists of personal and political dimensions, concerning with not only the nurturance of life but also the restoration of political order in a chaotic world. Guo Xiang explains the nurturance of life in the Zhuangzi in light of Confucius’s idea of the “mean”. He is keen on the issue whether or not the sacrifice of life for righteousness is beneficial to de. For the political aspect of de, this paper examines Guo Xiang’s political stand based on his comments on the virtue of kings and his view towards the ideal world of perfect virtue in comparison with the views of Confucius and Zhuangzi.