Environmental Philosophy in Taoist Thought

Abstract

Taoist thought attaches special importance to the relationship between man and the environment and man and nature. Taoist thought believes that “Tao” is the entity that constitutes the world, and that “Tao” is the driving force behind the creation of the universe, as well as the law of the movement of all things and the guidelines for human behavior. Taoist thought respects life and believes that all things should be allowed to grow naturally, without claiming them for oneself or dominating them. Taoism believes that all things are equal, and this principle of equality is similar to that of life-centered ethics. This principle of equality is similar to that of life-centered ethics. Taoism believes that the pursuit of material desires should be reduced in favor of raising the spiritual level, which provides a very good theoretical basis for environmental ethics and how to solve environmental issues.