Browsing by Subject "Zhuangzi -- Criticism and interpretation"

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    Crossing the Divide Between Aristotle's Phronesis and Techne to Discover a More Inclusive Way of Living Well
    (2015) Chai, Rodney Ming-Fui; Yurdin, Joel
    In my paper, I argue that the Chinese Taoist philosopher, Zhuang Zi (369-286 BC) can help us see that Aristotle's distinction between two of his intellectual virtues - phronesis (practical wisdom) and techne (craftsmanship) - is not that clear after all. I will first introduce Aristotle's intellectual virtues in his Nicomachean Ethics. In particular, I will distinguish between techne and phronesis. Next, I will show how the two are related, especially how someone who has mastered a particular technical know-how can help him/her gain practical wisdom in living his/her life. Following which, I will bring in Zhuang Zi's parable of Butcher Ting cutting the ox to show how one can cultivate his/her character and state of psychology and therefore live an excellent life by being immersed and excelling in his/her techne. I will then address possible objections from Aristotle, primarily that it is possible for one to excel in his/her techne but nonetheless lack the wisdom to live well in the daily context. Following my counter-response with Zhuang Zi's distinction between 'small' and 'big' understanding, I will then argue that it is sufficient rather than necessary to possess techne in order to live well. Finally, I will conclude by saying that blurring the divide between techne and phronesis provides an alternative route for people to acquire the knowledge of living well despite a lack of education or literacy.