Man and Nature: A New Interpretation of Taoist Aestheticism

Since 20th century,the study of Taoist philosophy from perspective of aestheticism has been a focus in aesthetic studies of China.In history of Chinese aestheticism,the significance of Taoism and significance of Confucianism find expression in following contrast: Confucianism has ideal of benevolence as core and,in aestheticism,proposes training of personal character as artistic theme and the Doctrine of Mean as artistic ideal,while Taoism has ideal of nature as core and,in aestheticism,proposes pursuit of individualism and freedom as well as co-existence of man and nature.