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Kibbitznest Liberal Arts Discussions are a collaboration with The University of Chicago Graham School to host presentations and discussions of original research, hosted at Kibbitznest Books, Brews & Blarney.
All proceeds benefit the kibbitznest nonprofit, with a mission to encourage face-to-face communication, inspire conversation, and bring our community together to share insights and philosophies in a Socratic dialogue.
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
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About the Discussion:
What is Daoism, and what are its central ideas? What is the famous Way that Daoists speak of, and how does it compare to concepts like reality or God? Is the Way something like the flow in the phrase go with the flow?
Tonight well examine and discuss an ancient dialogue between Confuciusthe paragon of conventional moralityand Lao Tzu, the paragon ofwell, something else entirely. This dialogue is essentially a work of fiction, and its two characters are mouthpieces for ideologies rather than flesh-and-blood historical people. The dialogue hails from the Zhuangzi (Chuang-tzu), often considered the second most important work of Daoist thought but in fact far exceeding the more famous Tao Te Ching in philosophical and narrative richness.
In order to understand what the Way is for Lao Tzu, we need to follow him through several stages of reflection and imagination. With him as our guide, well behold the bright growing from the dark and ordered things from chaos. Well situate ourselves in the vast stretches of a boundless world, and ask whether theres any way for things to be except exactly as they are. Lao Tzus Way is the basis of all things, having, therefore, no characteristics of its own. It underlies all our paltry ways of doing things, and is deeper than any value or objective we hold dear. Therefore, he argues, its only by relying on something we neither seek nor wish for that we can seek or wish for anything.
Sponsor: Kibbitznest Books, Brews & Blarney
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STEPHEN WALKER is a PhD candidate at University of Chicago Divinity School studying philosophy and the history of philosophy across multiple traditions. His main research focuses on classical Chinese thought; his dissertation, Boundless Ways: Navigating Norms in the Zhuangzi, examines that text's pragmatic and pluralistic critique of value.
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Registration is not necessary but appreciated due to space limitations.
kibbitznest is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization and wifi-free zone dedicated to the preservation of quality face-to-face human communication.
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LocationKibbitznest (View)
2212 N. Clybourn Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
United States
Categories
| Minimum Age: 21 |
| Kid Friendly: No |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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