This course explores the ancient Chinese philosophy of Daoism. It focuses on the texts Laozi (Lao Tzu) and Zhuangzi (Chuang Tzu) in order to arrive at a general understanding of crucial issues, concepts, and notions of 'classical' Daoism. The course will present a general overview of the history of philosophical Daoism and focus on analyses of core Daoist images and allegories. On the basis of these images and allegories, major issues of Daoist philosophy will be discussed. The course will also include comparative outlooks to contemporary Chinese and Western philosophy.

CILO-1: Capability of critically discussing and evaluating Daoist ideas orally and in writing. CILO-2: Understanding of the history of Daoist philosophy and religion. CILO-3: Capbaility of addressing philosophical and social issues from a Daoist perspective orally and in writing.