Scholarlink

<p>This essay offers an interpretation of the theories of aesthetic value and agency in the <i>Zhuangzi</i> 莊子. The first section outlines two claims that articulate an aesthetics that can be found in the <i>Analects</i>: (1) there is a single ideal of aesthetic value, and (2) ideal aesthetic agents are those with the competence to access that ideal. The <i>Zhuangzi</i> rejects both claims. The second section argues, contra (1), that the <i>Zhuangzi</i> embraces a variety of pluralism about aesthetic value. This pluralism is rooted in some of the text’s broader metaphysical commitments. The third section argues, contra (2), that the <i>Zhuangzi</i> portrays ideal aesthetic agents as those with the competence to access what it calls “utmost beauty” (<i>zhimei</i> 至美), the plurality of aesthetic values. As this ideal of aesthetic agency is beyond the reach of ordinary human beings, the concluding section of the essay argues that the <i>Zhuangzi</i> additionally recommends a modified ideal of aesthetic agency that is within our reach.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Pluralism about Aesthetic Value and Agency in the Zhuangzi

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月7日

查看全文
  • Dominic McIver Lopes,
  • Davide Andrea Zappulli

摘要

This essay offers an interpretation of the theories of aesthetic value and agency in the Zhuangzi 莊子. The first section outlines two claims that articulate an aesthetics that can be found in the Analects: (1) there is a single ideal of aesthetic value, and (2) ideal aesthetic agents are those with the competence to access that ideal. The Zhuangzi rejects both claims. The second section argues, contra (1), that the Zhuangzi embraces a variety of pluralism about aesthetic value. This pluralism is rooted in some of the text’s broader metaphysical commitments. The third section argues, contra (2), that the Zhuangzi portrays ideal aesthetic agents as those with the competence to access what it calls “utmost beauty” (zhimei 至美), the plurality of aesthetic values. As this ideal of aesthetic agency is beyond the reach of ordinary human beings, the concluding section of the essay argues that the Zhuangzi additionally recommends a modified ideal of aesthetic agency that is within our reach.