Abstract

Chris Fraser’s interpretation of the Zhuangzi’s 莊子 ethics emphasizes the importance of skill stories. He argues that eudaimonism in the Zhuangzi centers around the exercise of de 德 rather than moral virtue and presents a conception of personal flourishing as “wandering.” A person living a flourishing life is one who can use their de to skillfully respond to changing circumstances and follow the dao道. Fraser’s interpretation suggests that interpersonal conduct is a “field of skill” and that the question of how to treat others is not fundamentally different from questions about how to undertake any course of activity.