Lecture
Does Lao Tzu Confuse Sein and Sollen? A Preliminary Reconstruction and Reinterpretation of the Concept of Tao in the Tao Te Ching
- Hiu Ho LEUNG
- Date
- Thursday 4 June 2026
- Time
- Location
-
Herta Mohr
Witte Singel 27A
2311 BG Leiden - Room
- 0.22
Abstract
According to Chung-hwan Chen 陳康 (1902–1992), a Chinese scholar renowned for his work on ancient Greek philosophy, Lao Tzu understands Tao as a principle in six distinct senses. Chen argues, however, that Lao Tzu’s theory faces difficulties, possibly because it confuses the Seinsprinzip (the principle of being) with the Sollenprinzip (the principle of ought). This perspective, characteristic of traditional Western philosophy, has sparked considerable discussion among Chinese scholars attentive to the fundamental differences between Chinese and Western thought. In my view, however, none of these responses has fully succeeded in defending Lao Tzu against Chen’s critique.
The suspicion that Lao Tzu confuses the distinction between Sein and Sollen cannot be resolved by adhering to any prevailing interpretation of Tao. Instead, it requires a more radical reconstruction and reinterpretation of Lao Tzu’s entire conceptual framework. To this end, I begin with the question “Where is the Tao?” and attempt to locate the source of meaning — that is, the epistemological ground — of Tao within the horizon of Chinese language and culture. I then show how the original meaning of Tao develops into an all-encompassing concept and a universally binding principle. Finally, I clarify the relationship between the Taoist Seinsprinzip and Sollenprinzip, arguing that Lao Tzu does not in fact confuse the distinction between Sein and Sollen. This analysis lays the foundation for a more comprehensive reconstruction and reinterpretation of Lao Tzu’s thought in future work.
Speaker
Hiu Ho Leung is a PhD candidate in the Department of Chinese Language and Literature at The Chinese University of Hong Kong.