Weber's Daoism: A failure of orthodoxy

Journal article

Barbalet, Jack. (2014). Weber's Daoism: A failure of orthodoxy. Journal of Classical Sociology. 14(3), pp. 284 - 301. https://doi.org/10.1177/1468795X13494132
AuthorsBarbalet, Jack
Abstract

The paper fills a gap in the discussion of The Religion of China by focusing on Weber’s treatment of Daoism. First, it presents an examination of Weber’s use of sources in his construction of Daoism and his location of mysticism and religion in the early Daoist text Daodejing. Second, his treatment of Daoism – and Confucianism – within the orthodox/heterodox framework is examined and shown to be a European projection inadequate for understanding Chinese state practices. Finally, it is shown that Weber’s approach prevents appreciation of the contribution of Daoist thought to a Chinese entrepreneurial spirit. By reformulating Weber’s argument concerning culture and economy, this important and neglected aspect of Daoism is highlighted.

KeywordsDaoism; entrepreneurship; Laozi; orthodoxy; orthopraxy
Year2014
JournalJournal of Classical Sociology
Journal citation14 (3), pp. 284 - 301
PublisherSage Publications Ltd.
ISSN1468-795X
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1177/1468795X13494132
Scopus EID2-s2.0-84907163941
Page range284 - 301
Research GroupInstitute for Religion, Politics, and Society
Publisher's version
File Access Level
Controlled
Place of publicationUnited Kingdom
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