An Analysis on Concept of Humanism in Taoism

Abstract

This article is a part of the thesis in the same title. The objective of this study is to analyze concept of Humanism in Taoism. The study try to understand various aspects of Taoism including meaning, characters, value and human being's goal. The study is a documentary research.

The study found that the definitions of human being between Taoism and humanism are very similar. They state that all human is capable with intellectual potentiality, therefore, it allows us to be able to develop ourselves. However, human is not a sublime species of all kinds, but human exists as part of this transforming world. In reference to characters of human in Taoism, there are humility, modesty, emptiness, knowing self-limitation and freedom of mind. Taoists do not agree with the idea that human should gain secular knowledge rather we should   apply wisdom and imagination to enlighten the truth. They consider that knowledge and truth are relatively transformed upon time and space. Taoism refuses supernatural power but emphasizes on human as a key role which is the outstanding character of Humanism. In addition, according to ethical value of human, Taoism applies doctrines of Non-Action and Freedom, as well as to follow innate and natural states of human to consider virtue of life, by no mean of custom, culture, tradition, or law as the moral standard of society. Taoists aim to abandon use of secular knowledge, logic, and limited reasons as criteria of judgement for value of human. Likewise, such doctrines resemble the Humanitarianism. Lastly, true happiness according to Taoism is to return to emptiness that is a primary state of human. By deliberating desires, human soul will be freed and become innocent. Taoism recommends applying Non-Action principle to preserve life. To improve human life is to apply humility and mildness to overcome the whole, and to be in harmony with the existence. Such principles co-incise with social good and individual happiness of Humanism.