A Daoist interpretation of perspective-taking

Abstract

ABSTRACT Offering a Daoist interpretation of perspective-taking, this article expounds the philosophical thought of Zhuangzi on this topic. Zhuangzi’s views can be consolidated into two broad areas: the challenge of perspective-taking and recommendations to foster perspective-taking. A primary hindrance, according to Zhuangzi, is limited human perspective that results in narrow-mindedness, dogmatism, self-serving moral standard and disharmony among humans. To advance perspective-taking, Zhuangzi introduces three essential Daoist concepts: ‘having no fixed identity’, ‘following the Heavenly and attaining dao’ and ‘matching of dao (Course or Way)’. Zhuangzi cautions against embracing a rigid perspective by being inflexible, dogmatic and judgemental in one’s thinking, actions and relationships. Humans should instead (re)turn to their natural disposition and harmonise their perspectives with those of others. A key implication of Zhuangzi’s philosophical thought sketched in this essay is a formulation of perspective-taking that emphasises self-transformation and social harmony.