New Books in Philosophy Christine Abigail L. Tan, "Freedom's Frailty: Self-Realization in the Neo-Daoist Philosophy of Guo Xiang's Zhuangzhi" (SUNY Press, 2024)
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May 21, 2024 
Christine Abigail L. Tan discusses interpreting the Zhuangzi through Guo Xiang for political insight. She explains Guo's logic of convergence and use of self-realization for political transformation. The podcast explores misconceptions in Guo's teachings, contrasts Chinese and Western views on freedom, and delves into Guo's interpretation of Neo-Daoism and self-realization.
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Zhuangzi Read Politically Through Guo
- The Zhuangzi is often read as quietist, but Guo Xiang's reading adds a political dimension.
- Guo's commentary shows Zhuangzi offers strategies to negotiate and change oppressive circumstances, not just psychological acceptance.
Logic Of Convergence: Unity In Difference
- Guo Xiang's 'logic of convergence' embraces apparent contradictions by showing deep interdependence.
- He treats particularity and universality as mutually dependent, collapsing linear causality into reciprocal causation.
Epistemic Humility As Political Tool
- Guo Xiang's epistemological humility becomes political: incomprehensibility invites listening to other perspectives.
- Recognizing we cannot fully access others' realities fosters negotiation instead of dismissal.