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A Daoist Theory of Chinese Thought: A Philosophical Interpretation

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This book is very clearly written and sees ancient Chinese thought from a Daoist (rather than the traditional Confucian) point of view. Chad Hansen makes a detailed analysis of Confucius and Mencius though, based on their theory of language, and those chapters are exceptional too. Of course, the greatest chapter of the book is the one on Zhuangzi, that shows him to be a sophisticated thinker, having a theory of language inherited from the later Mohists that comes near in quality to Greek philosophy, although never going as far a creating a theory of reason. Highly recommended to all Daoists!

Dr Hansen takes us on a whirlwind tour of Chinese language, history, and culture. His deep knowledge of ancient Chinese history and thought is breath-taking. Most refreshing is his positivist approach to Chinese philosophy. He posits that there will be different possible understandings of our common human situation and, like a good literary critic(!), he allows the primary texts to suggest *in their own terms* what relevant differences exist in thinking the human.

This book will be serious brain candy to anyone who has an interest in the history of ideas, comparative religion, or intercultural philosophy.

Dr Hansen's book is a difficult read, but certainly very rewarding. Hansen is one of the finest scholars in the world on Chinese philosophy and knows his Classical Chinese inside-out. This is an important book for all serious Chinese scholars. It would probably help to have a background in formal philosophy or linguistics however. Please disregard the comment below concerning Hansen's translations. The person in question is obviously clueless.

Captivating, clear, and powerful. Hansen analyzes the classical period of Chinese philosophy with stunning originality, but with scholarly precision and care. His inerpretation of Mo Tzu's role in Chinese philosophy completely redefined all of my thoughts on the subject. Hansen's insights will prove invaluable to any student of any philosophical tradition. This book is probably the best book about philosophy that I have read.