The Snail and Its Horns: Practical Philosophy Inspired by the Zhuangzi

Abstract

In the last century, Western jargon and methodologies have overwhelmed the study of early Chinese texts. In an attempt to somewhat redress the balance, this paper retrieves a core notion from the Zhuangzi, “disputation” (bian 辯) or “distinctions” (bian 辨), to reflect upon a contemporary Western debate, namely about the exclusion of non-Western sources at philosophy departments. The detailed analysis of one anecdote about two states fighting each other on the horns of a snail leads to a view on disputation and its limits. By applying these insights to the “legitimacy of Chinese philosophy” debate, the Zhuangzi can inspire insights and attitudes that tend to be overlooked.