23 research outputs found
Weberâs Daoism: A failure of orthodoxy
The paper fills a gap in the discussion of The Religion of China by focusing on Weberâs treatment of Daoism. First, it presents an examination of Weberâs use of sources in his construction of Daoism and his location of mysticism and religion in the early Daoist text Daodejing. Second, his treatment of Daoism â and Confucianism â within the orthodox/heterodox framework is examined and shown to be a European projection inadequate for understanding Chinese state practices. Finally, it is shown that Weberâs approach prevents appreciation of the contribution of Daoist thought to a Chinese entrepreneurial spirit. By reformulating Weberâs argument concerning culture and economy, this important and neglected aspect of Daoism is highlighted