The role of health in the ethics of Chuang-tzu

Taoism is a term which refers to a complex and varied system of beliefs and ritual. Scholars, whose attention has been captured by Taoism, have repeatedly attempted to simplify the subject of their investigations by means of a dichotomizing analysis. It is claimed on the one hand that there is philosophical Taoism and on the other that there is religious Taoism. Philosophical Taoism is considered to be a pristine, cerebral undertaking which is not marred by the concern for things physical, whereas religious Taoism is considered to be primarily concerned with longevity and/or immortality, exorcism, talismans and religious ritual. This thesis argues that health, both mental and physical, plays a role of central importance in the ethics of the Chuang-tzu. The fact that health is of such importance in the Chuang-tzu demonstrates the need for moving beyond the simple dichotomy of religion and philosophy in the study of Taoism.