Sinolingua
Vol 4, No 1 (2026): Sinolingua: Journal of Chinese Studies

Ontology and Evolution of Tiandao: A Comparative Study with Natural Law

Yan, Feifei (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Mar 2026

Abstract

The concept of "Tiandao" (The Way of Heaven) represents the ontological foundation of traditional Chinese philosophy, serving as the ultimate source of both cosmic order and human morality. This study deconstructs the five-fold connotations of Tiandao and synthesizes them with a comparative analysis of Western "Natural Law" to explore how these systems bridge the "is-ought" gap. Utilizing philological analysis, historical hermeneutics, and comparative methodology, the research examines classical texts from the Pre-Qin period to the Qing Dynasty Alongside Western traditions ranging from Stoicism to Enlightenment Rationalism. The analysis reveals that Tiandao evolved from a personified divine will into a naturalistic, cyclical, and moralized ontological system. Comparative results indicate that while Western Natural Law emphasizes rational rights, Tiandao prioritizes organic harmony. The dialectic between "Heavenly Order" and "Human Agency" reflects a unique holistic spirit, suggesting that modern global ethics can benefit from the integration of these two traditions. Ultimately, Tiandao remains a vital framework for understanding human responsibility within a self-regulating cosmos, providing a metaphysical anchor for contemporary ecological and social governance and offering a necessary corrective to the disenchantment of nature in modern industrial societies.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

sinolingua

Publisher

Subject

Arts Humanities Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences

Description

Sinolingua: Journal of Chinese Studies is a scientific periodical published by the Department of Chinese Language and Culture, at Universitas Sebelas Maret which focuses on the development of Chinese studies. The scope of the publication is in the latest studies and research in the fields of ...