Zhuangzi: The Inner Chapters

Abstract

The Zhuangzi is one of the two formative texts of the Chinese philosophy of Daoism. Its reputed author, Zhuangzi (c. fourth century BCE), probably wrote or directly inspired only the first seven of the text's 33 chapters. This is a translation of that initial portion of the text, traitionally called, "The Inner Chapters." The translation provides originial interpretive commentary appropriate for college-level courses. This translation is intended for both specialists and general readers, and primarily aims to elucidate the intellectual significance of individual passages and to highlight the way philosophical themes interact within the text. It is intended to provide open-access online materials, to be freely used or modified by individuals or by teachers employing them in a not-for-profit context.