The Ecological Era and Classical Chinese Naturalism: A Case Study of Tao Yuanming [Hardcover]

Reflecting the currently growing eco-movement, this book presents to western readers Tao Yuanming, an ancient Chinese poet, as a representative of classical oriental natural philosophy who offered lived experience of dwelling poetically on earth. Drawing on Derridas specter theory, it interprets Tao Yuanming in a postmodern and eco-critical context, while also exploring his naturalist kindred spirits in other countries, so as to urge the people of today to contemplate their own existence and pursuits. The books panoramic table of contents offers readers a wonderful reading experience.Chapter 1: Tao Yuanming and the Meta-Question of Humanity.- Chapter 2: Taos Natural Philosophy.- Chapter 3: Tao and Natural Romanticism.- Chapter 4: The Evolving Perception of Nature and the Death of Tao.- Chapter 5: The Specter of Tao and the Plights of Contemporary Human Existence.- Conclusion: The Last Sacrifice and the Requiem.Puts forward classical Chinese naturalism as a cure for the eco-plights of today Presents the poet-philosophers lived experience of dwelling poetically on earth Introduces todays readers to a great oriental naturalistic poet Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras