英文摘要
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In The Courage to Be, Paul Jahannes Tillich has discussed the death of Socrates, that shows the courage to give recognition to life because this courage also gives recognition to death itself. That kind of courage is different from the definition of braveness in the past; moreover, it is a bit rationalistic, which comforts all the people in the classic Western Philosophy by taking fate and life-and-death easy. On the idea about the death of Socrates in The Courage to Be, Tillich's understanding of the existential subject inspires me to compare it with Li Zhi's philosophy ( 1527-1602). Li Zhi's philosophy of the convergence of the three religions can be perceived as follows. Confucianism was used to settle the human relationship on earth. Although he expressed much criticism against Taoism, his criticism directed only against its "falseness." His real purpose was to defend "true Taoism"; and he appropriated the Taoist idea of doing nothing to signify a confirmation of the truthfulness of human nature. "Natural human traits," and "true heart" are the starting point of his pursuit of scholarship, from which to keep self-individuality intact, thereby achieving "the courage to be oneself." For the mortal life, Buddhism offers him the way to transcend death peacefully. In one sense, Li Zhi's thought goes beyond the anxiety of Western philosophy. This essay contends that Li 'Zhi's life history duly puts into practice what Tillich has described as the transcendence of the spiritual angst of the West.
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