On Lao Tzu's Theory of Knowledge

Author: Pin-ching Chen

Abstract：

The purpose of this paper is to explore Lao Tzu's theory of "knowledge." The key concept of his "knowledge" is essentially metaphysical, not secular. He, there-fore, advocates adoring "enlightenment" to pursue "real knowledge," abandoning "superficial understanding," laying restraint on "absurd knowledge," knowing "what one has not known" to observe the constant way of life, and learning "what one has not learned" to get rid of "popular knowledge."
The paper examines (1) the nature of knowledge and (2) Lao Tzu's ways to knowledge, which include (a) to adore "enlightenment," (b) to abandon "superficial understanding," (c) to know "what one has not known," and (d) to learn "what one has not learned."

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