| Summary: | 碩士 === 華梵大學 === 哲學系碩士在職專班 === 102 === Abstract
In Chinese philosophy history, Laozi was the one that most significantly questioned and criticized the value of language. In Chapter 1 of Laozi, it states “The Dao that can be told of is not the absolute Dao, the names that can be given are not absolute names”. In other words, “Daoism” surmounts “language of names”. Finite artificial “language of names” cannot be compared with infinite “Tao”. Laozi suggested that “once the block is carved, there will be names” is originated from people’s selfishness and invasion which lead to pretense and skill. Desire increases and it will finally result in disasters. Laozi warned people of the disorder and fundamental change of language of names: “fine language”, “argument” and “wordy”. He suggested the people to return to simplicity to avoid being trapped in verbal fighting.
Laozi was not totally against “language of names”; otherwise, the theory cannot be introduced. Thus, Laozi adopted the language strategy of “straight words seem paradoxical” to present the true meanings of “Taosim” by Zhe Quan instead of Yen Quan. “Straight words seem paradoxical” means “straight words which match the Taoism are treated as negative language by the people”. In Laozi, a great amount of doubtful terms, negative and irony are adopted to remind the people that, “inaction”, “removing desire”, “no fighting” and “tenderness and fragility” are the right language which matches Taoism.
Although Laozi questioned “language of names”, he did not suggest totally abandoning it. Instead, he expected that people could avoid self-interest and fighting and distinguishing of language of names to surmount the said language. Regarding the reflection on language of names, he suggested returning the application of “language of names” to “the origin” by “to the extreme of emptiness and state of intense concentration”.
Keywords: Laozi, philosophy of language, Taoism, once the block is carved, there will be names, straight words seem paradoxical
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