Formation of philosophical and legal ideas of Taoism

Abstract

The article examines the philosophical trend of Taoism, which arose in ancient Chinese philosophy around the VI-V centuries BC. e. The founder of Taoism is Lao-Tzu, who formulated the system based on the principle of knowing the Tao as the only true path. The purpose of this article is to analyze the evolution of philosophical and legal concepts that arose within the framework of Taoism. The interaction between the key principles of Taoist philosophy and the legal system is highlighted, as well as the impact of this interaction on the formation of socio-cultural norms and values is evaluated.
 Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching defines the key concepts and ideas of Taoism. Attention is drawn to the important statements of Lao Tzu, which reveal the relationship between Taoism and life, morality and nature.
 The article examines the views of various scientists on the principles of Taoism. The text also analyzes the main principles of Taoism, expressed in the «Tao-De-Ching». The Tao is considered as the ruling law of all that exists, inaccessible to the senses, associated with natural chaos. The principle of «u-wei» is defined as a return to the original nature.
 Special attention is paid to the principle of non-intervention, which means a unique approach to state management. According to the opinion of one of the scientists identified in this work, the ruler, following the principles of Taoism, should not intervene by force in natural processes, but should act in accordance with the natural properties of things.
 Emphasis is placed on the fact that with the help of such principles, the state, according to the teachings of Lao Tzu, develops in its own way, without artificial intervention. Criticism of the government that uses force and artificial methods shows the ineffectiveness of such an approach from the point of view of Taoism. The article also examines the concept of the culture of law in the context of Taoism, where adherence to the principles of this teaching ensures legitimacy and legalization, the expression of the will of society, not the state. Emphasizes the perceived need for citizens to adhere to Taoist principles in order to achieve spiritual and physical self-improvement in relation to Taoism.
 Overall, the article reveals the key aspects and development of Taoism as an important philosophical direction in the ancient Chinese context.