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<p>In this paper, we set out to examine the implications of a Daoist philosophical perspective within the clinical encounter. Specifically, we will explore how the unique and sometimes radical views of the Ancient Daoist philosopher Zhuangzi (and the concepts of <i>ziran</i> 自然 “nature” or “spontaneity”, the fasting of the “heart-mind” <i>cheng xin</i> 成心, and <i>wuwe</i>i 無為 “non-action”) can invite us to reframe and reconceptualize some of the common assumptions that currently govern the doctor-patient relationship, as well as prompt us to reflect anew upon the proper goals and scope of medical practice itself. We take the view that ethics need not be limited to a set of rules. Ethics can be thought of as a set of skills and abilities that include perspective taking, tolerance and openness to experiences. This allows us to explore and critically engage with Zhuangzi’s unique philosophy and appreciate its contribution to the bioethics literature, in particular with its applications in caring for patients with disability and chronic illness. Our analysis leads us to coin the term “reciprocal-emerging” to express the dynamic and transformational of nature of the doctor-patient relationship through a Zhuangzian lens.</p>

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How a Zhuangzian Lens Might Shape the Doctor-Patient Relationship—A Critical Analysis

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月2日

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  • Alexa Nord-Bronzyk,
  • Kathryn Muyskens

摘要

In this paper, we set out to examine the implications of a Daoist philosophical perspective within the clinical encounter. Specifically, we will explore how the unique and sometimes radical views of the Ancient Daoist philosopher Zhuangzi (and the concepts of ziran 自然 “nature” or “spontaneity”, the fasting of the “heart-mind” cheng xin 成心, and wuwei 無為 “non-action”) can invite us to reframe and reconceptualize some of the common assumptions that currently govern the doctor-patient relationship, as well as prompt us to reflect anew upon the proper goals and scope of medical practice itself. We take the view that ethics need not be limited to a set of rules. Ethics can be thought of as a set of skills and abilities that include perspective taking, tolerance and openness to experiences. This allows us to explore and critically engage with Zhuangzi’s unique philosophy and appreciate its contribution to the bioethics literature, in particular with its applications in caring for patients with disability and chronic illness. Our analysis leads us to coin the term “reciprocal-emerging” to express the dynamic and transformational of nature of the doctor-patient relationship through a Zhuangzian lens.