Index to the Dao Debate

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Note that many postings appear more than once in the following Index, as many contain more than one theme.

The Initial Challenge

• Interpreting "Dao". This post started the debate. Bryan Van Norden suggests that two passages, one each in the Dao De Jing and the Zhuangzi, are particularly strong evidence that "dao" should be understood as meaning a metaphysical absolute.

Hansen's Argument Against "Meaning Change" and Other Methodologicial Reflections

• Fraser on Hansen's Argument. Christopher Fraser's summary of Chad Hansen's argument that "dao" does not mean a metaphysical absolute.
• Dao in DDJ (1). Contains Steve Angle's summary of Hansen's position.
• Dao in Zhuangzi (1). Contains Dan Robins' summary of Hansen's argument.
• Dao and "Daoists". Paul Goldin's caution about using the term "Daoists."
• Pro-Metaphysical Dao. Holger, a scholar from Germany, adds his voice to Van Norden's defense of the metaphysical "dao" position.
• Dao in General, and in Zhuangzi (1). Fraser suggests a distinction is needed between "metaphysical" and "mystical" interpretations of "dao", cites some evidence that Van Norden's passage from Zhuangzi 6 may be a later interpolation, and then gives his own version of that passage.
• Dao in General, and in DDJ. Fraser further refines (in light of some of Van Norden's comments) the distinctions one might want to draw between "metaphysical" and "mystical," in this case primarily using material from the Dao De Jing for illustration.
• Dao in General, and in Zhuangzi (2). Fraser continues his argument: more on what's behind the meaning change argument, etc.
• "Dao" Is Redefined. Van Norden argues that Hansen's concerns about meaning change are misplaced, since "dao" is explicitly redefined in the Dao De Jing.
• Is "Dao" Really Redefined?. Fraser reacts to Van Norden's claim that "dao" is explicitly redefinied, asking for a broader interpretive theory into which this idea fits.
• Replies to Fraser and Robins. Van Norden replies to some of Fraser's arguments about the Dao De Jing.

Discussions Specific to the Dao De Jing

• Dao in DDJ (1). Steve Angle argues that Passage 25 in the Dao De Jing can support a non-metaphysical "dao" reading.
• Dao in DDJ (2). Van Norden replies.
• Dao in DDJ (3). Angle responds to Van Norden. Note that this post contains a link to Chad Hansen's translation of the Dao De Jing
• Dao in General, and in DDJ. Fraser argues against the mystical reading of "dao" in the Dao De Jing.
• "Dao" *Is* Redefined (1). Van Norden argues that Hansen's concerns about meaning change are misplaced, since "dao" is explicitly redefined in the Dao De Jing.
• Is "Dao" Really Redefinied?. Fraser reacts to Van Norden's claim that "dao" is explicitly redefinied, asking for a broader interpretive theory into which this idea fits.
• Replies to Fraser and Robins. Van Norden replies to some of Fraser's arguments about the Dao De Jing.

Discussions Specific to the Zhuangzi

• General and Chapter Six
  • Dao in Zhuangzi (1). Dan Robins argues that in the passage Van Norden cited from Zhuangzi Chapter 6, "dao" can be understood as refering to social teachings.
  • Dao in Zhuangzi (2). Van Norden responds to Robins, raising questions about Hansen's "Meaning Change" argument.
  • Dao in Zhuangzi (3). Robins responds.
  • Dao in Zhuangzi (4). Van Norden responds to both Robins and Fraser, and cites an article by P. J. Ivanhoe defending the metaphysical interpretation.
  • Dao in Zhuangzi (5). Robins responds, insisting that "dao" can be interpreted as "social practice."
  • Dao in General, and in Zhuangzi (1)Fraser suggests a distinction is needed between "metaphysical" and "mystical" interpretations of "dao", cites some evidence that Van Norden's passage from Zhuangzi 6 may be a later interpolation, and then gives his own version of that passage.
  • Dao in General, and in Zhuangzi (2). Fraser picks up the argument: more on what's behind the meaning change argument, etc.
  • Replies to Fraser and Robins. Van Norden replies to some of Fraser's and Robins' arguments about the Zhuangzi.

• Chapter Two: Dao and the "True Master"
  • Dao in Zhuangzi Ch. 2. Van Norden turns attention to Chapter 2 of the Zhuangzi, suggesting that Hansen has mis-interpreted a crucial sentence, which has implications for the whole interpretation of the text, on which much of the argument for the non-metaphysical interpretation depends.
  • Harbsmeier's Interpretation. In response to a request from Van Norden, Christoph Harbsmeier gives his view of the disputed sentence from Zhuangzi 2.
  • Fraser on the Disputed Sentence (1). Fraser analyzes the sentence.
  • Fraser on the Disputed Sentence (2). Fraser responds to Harbsmeier and to Van Norden's interpretation of Harbsmeier, and gives his own theory of the sentence and its context.

Date created: 10/28/96
Last modified: 11/9/96
Questions? Contact: Stephen C. Angle