In-depth Discussion Of The Basic Issues Related To Laozi

The nature of Guodian bamboo Laozi. Compared with 5000words, Bamboo Laozi has many differences in text, chapter and ideas. From the differences, inherent law and characteristic of Guodian Bambo and Bambo Laozi, we can know the three groups Bambo Laozi are excerpt books, but have different nature.(1)In the status, Jialao(甲组《老子》)is highest, Yilao(乙组《老子》)is second, and Binglao(丙组《老子》)is lowest.(2)Their structure, thought and subjects are different. Jialao is composed of two articles, its thought is the Confucianist(儒家思想), and has two subjects:"Dao" and "Governing"; Yilao is composed of one article, and has partial Confucians thought, its subject is "Dao"; Binglao does not have a fixed structure, confucian thought and subject. These explained that they are different in nature:Binglao copies directly from 5000 words, it is the copier's material which must be used to revises new Laozi. Yilao is a partially modify book, but Jialao is a completed one.The creative way of 5000 words. Here have two views. Some people think that it was written by a person. Others think that it was written by a number of individuals. The people who think 5000words is written by a number of individuals always prove their view from two perspectives. (1)The relationship between Bamboo Laozi, Silk Laozi(帛书《老子》), and handed down Laozi(传本《老子》).(2)The relationship between 5000words and the pre-Qin classics. The three groups Bambo Laozi are excerpt books, So the first argument can not be set. The second argument contains a lot of points, Books did not refer to 5000 words, Books refer to 5000 words without acknowledgment, Books cited 5000 words, says the sentence is from other books,5000 words is too complex. But these can not prove their point of view. The first view can be demonstrated.5000 words formed by the two articles. Tt is a subject with a distinct, unified logic, tight structure. It must be completed by a person independent.The time of 5000words. The three groups Bambo Laozi are excerpt books, So the 5000 words no later than the end of the Warring States Period. Therefore, there are only three ideas need to be discussed. They are:5000words was born in the Spring and Autumn period, early Warring States Period, or the late Warring States period. In contrast, the two later points have some similar arguments, so call them "late View". Their arguments include the following aspects, "Books did not refer to 5000 words", "5000words'text, genre, style", "The laws of social development and Academic Development". But their argument can not be set. The view which says 5000words was born in the Spring and Autumn period can be proved. It is fit with 5000 words' idea, style and development law.The author of 5000words. These different views can be divided into two classes."Laodan(老聃)view" and "non-Laodan view". In the second view, some people think that Laodan is a fictional character, so it can not be the author. Others think Laodan is a historical figure, but not the author. The first kind people's arguments include the following aspects. Taoism(道家)has a case and motivation, Books did not refer to 5000 words, there have problems in the story of Confucius (孔子)meet Laozi. the second kind people's arguments include the following aspects. Laodan's origin, identity, time, behavior and image do not fit 5000words author's. However, the case and motivation are not evidences. and Laodan's things do not fit the story of 5000words's author, because the deeds of Laodan, Laolaizi(老莱子)and Taishidan(太史儋)have been confused in the pre-Qin time, and the Historical Records(《史记》)was not able to distinguish clearly.5000words was written in the Spring and Autumn Period, the writer must live in that time. Taishidan lived in the Warring States Period, can not be the author. Compared with Laodan and Laolaizi, Laodan fit the idea and image of 5000words' author. Therefore,5000words' author is Laodan.