On Chinese Aesthetics: Interpretative Encounter between Taoism and Confucianism

Abstract

Chinese aesthetics mainly derives from Confucianism and Taoism. This essay attempts to revisit the main theories that run through Confucian and Taoist aesthetics in order to make them comprehensible within a broader global context. Aesthetics in Confucianism pertains to fields as various as literature, art, music and the natural environment. It holds the idea of ren 仁 (human-heartedness) as the essential attribute of beauty. In comparison, Taoist aesthetics emphasizes the centrality of tao 道 (way), which transpires through naturalness, and, as such, considers natural forms to offer the highest degree of beauty. In order to understand variations of representation and interpretation in Confucian and Taoist aesthetics, the essay discusses accordingly the three fundamentals of Chinese aesthetics: beauty, feeling of beauty, and artistic image. This comparative study will hopefully bring to light differences and similarities between two traditions, which may also resonate within the wider context of modern global aesthetics.