Basics of Taoism I

The first class in this series will examine some of the historical figures and social undercurrents which contributed to the Chinese philosophical systems and later religion which would come to be known as Taoism or Daoism. The main focus in this class will center on discussions of the Tao (or �Way�) as a means to guide one�s life. We will also be examining Lao zi (Laotze) and Chuang Tzu (Zhuangzi) as proponents of a philosophical understanding of the Tao/Dao.
Other topics will include:
� The goal of life
� Right behavior
Lastly, we will examine other systems of philosophy which were contemporaneous which Taoism, with a primary focus on Confucian ideas and secondarily the philosophy of Mo Zi (Mozi) as a point of comparison to the Taoist framework.

No prior knowledge of Taoism or Taoist concepts is necessary, only natural curiosity and the willingness to engage with the material.