The role of Yang Zhu and his ideas in the system of the Chinese philosophy

Abstract. The article is devoted to the ideas of the ancient Chinese thinker Yang Zhu and his place in the philosophical tradition of China. Despite the fact that he is attributed to the representatives of early Taoism, Yang Zhu's sayings about human life, nature and values look quite separate and unique, largely due to the synthesis of the main Taoist postulates with the concepts of hedonism and selfishness. In addition, the perception of the basic values of that every person in the material world should have is considered. Despite the fact that the attitude of Confucians and even some representatives of Taoism towards Yang Zhu was rather ambiguous, his ideas found support among the population of ancient China, largely due to the rejection of the hierarchical system and sayings that human life is already predetermined. A person does not own anything in this life, since he does not determine when he will be born or die. Therefore, first of all, everyone in the Chinese Empire, according to Yang Zhu, should focus his life on maintaining life in his body through pleasures and enjoyments.

Keywords: Ancient China, philosophy, Taoism, yangism, hedonism, ethical egoism, Yang Zhu

For citation: Dashkin G.I., Ivanova T.G. The role of Yang Zhu and his ideas in the system of the Chinese philosophy. // Modern Oriental Studies. 2022; 4 (3). P. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/ 10.24412/2686-9675-3-2022-46-53