On The Idea Of "Imagination" In The First Chapter Of Zhaungzi, A Happy Excursion

In the first chapter of Zhuangzi, A Happy Excursion (Xiao Yao You), the discussion of the theme of Xiao Yao is conducted by fictional images, fictions and fables, thus with a way of poetry. From the perspective of methodology, it is regarded as an action of imagination (imagining). However, the following questions must be answered. Firstly, what is the idea of imagination in such a context? Secondly, why the idea of imagination can be used to talk about the context? Thirdly, the idea of imagination is the way to talk about Xiao Yao, or it itself is directly related to Xiao Yao? As to the former, which impacts are aroused by imagination as a kind of methodology? And regarding to the latter, whether the belief that imagination is ontologically related to Xiao Yao and Dao can be justified?To provide the answers of the questions above, in this study, Xiao Yao You is interpreted in its relation with the idea of imagination. In such an interpretation, the idea of imagination obtains its meaning both in epistemology and in ontology. Imagination can be related to Xiao Yao and Dao because of its relation with the possible world. By the analysis of the contents of imagination in A Happy Excursion, imagination is regarded as an action of interpretation while making images to present the possible world in the sense of space, human states and the logic of context. The presence of Xiang and the hide of Dao illustrate the ability of imagination to communicate being and non-being (or to-be). As a kind of human ability, imagination communicates the empirical world and the possible world with its ability of creating. And the action of making image, the ability to open the possible world and the ability to communicate being and non-being (or to-be) construct the meaning of imagination. On the other hand, imagination is a concept deriving from western philosophy. In the field of comparative philosophy, the historical investigation of the concept of imagination can provide a fruitful resource. Jin Yuelin, a philosopher in the field of modern Chinese philosophy, who has talked about imagination as a concept, also provides a meaningful resource.