庄子的生死观与现代生死学 = ZHUANGZI'S VIEW OF DEATH AND MODERN THANATOLOGY

Abstract

Modern thanatology, as defined by Dr. Fu Weixun, should encompass both the studies of death and life to be considered complete. An interesting aspect of his thesis is the inclusion of Zhuangzi’s view of death into modern thanatology. However, Fu has not engaged the practical application of Zhuangzi’s philosophy into the pragmatic needs of human psyche. Thus it is necessary to reconcile Zhuangzi’s views with modern thanatology in order to reinterpret its value. The focus of my thesis should explore both Fu’s view on modern thanatology and Zhuangzi’s view of death and especially how the latter can be substantial in the analysis of modern thanatology. Also, my thesis shall address on the issue that Zhuangzi’s view of death can be complementary to modern thanatology. Chapter One presents my motive in the doing of the topic and the resources used in my sphere of research. Chapter Two deals with Zhuangzi’s view of death. Chapter Three compares the different views of death by Zhuangzi and Confucianism to further bring out the essence of Zhuang’s philosophy. Chapter Four focus on the relation between modern thanatology and Zhuangzi’s view of death and how the two views supplement each other. Chapter Five concludes with a summary of the thesis. These findings aim to reestablish Zhuangzi’s philosophy as meaningful in the modern context.