This is the first comprehensive companion to the study of Daoism as a philosophical tradition. It provides a general overview of Daoist philosophy in various thinkers and texts from 6th century BCE to 5th century CE and reflects the latest academic developments in the field. It discusses theoretical and philosophical issues based on rigorous textual and historical investigations and examinations, reflecting both the ancient scholarship and modern approaches and methodologies. The themes include debates on the origin of the Daoism, the authorship and dating of the Laozi, the authorship and classification of chapters in the Zhuangzi,  the themes and philosophical arguments in the Laozi and Zhuangzi, their transformations and developments in Pre-Qin, Han, and Wei-Jin periods, by Huang-Lao school, Heguanzi, Wenzi, Huainanzi, Wang Bi, Guo Xiang, and Worthies in bamboo grove, among others. Each chapter is written by expert(s) and specialist(s) on the topic discussed.

Introduction.- Was There a founder of Daoism? Liu Xiaogan.- Thematic Analyses of the
Laozi
, M. Csikszentmihalyi.- Multi-dimensions of the
Laozi
, Liu Xiaogan.- Early Daoist Thought in Excavated Bamboo Slips, Xing Wen.- Textual Issues of the
Zhuangzi
, Liu Xiaogan.- Conceptual analyses of the
Zhuangzi
, S. Coutinho.- Multi-dimensions of the inner Chapters, Liu Xiaogan.- Various Theories of Outer and Miscellaneous Chapters, Liu Xiaogan.- Doctrines and Transformation of the Huang-Lao Tradition, Chen Li-kuei, Winnie Sung.- Daoism in the
Guanzi
, Harold Roth.- The Pheasant Cap Mater, Carine Defoort.- The Four Lost Classics, G. Vankeerberghen.-
Wenzi
and Daoism, P. Van Els.-
Huainanzi
: The Pinnacle of Classical Daoist Syncretism, H. Roth.- Wang Bi and Neo-Daoism, R. Lynn.- Guo Xiang and Neo-Daoism, Brook Zipory.- Worthies of the Bamboo Grove, Yuet keung Lo.- The
Liezi
and Daoism, June Won Seo.- Daoism from Philosophy to Religion, Liu Xiaogan, et.al.- Daoism and Confucianism, K. Lai.- Daoism and Buddhism, Yao Zhihua.- Daoism and Greek Philosophy, L. Rphals.- Daoism and Science, L. Rphals.- Index.

Dr. LIU Xiaogan, receiving his PhD from Peking University in 1985, is professor, and the founding and honorary director of the Research Centre for Chinese Philosophy and Culture, the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). He once taught and conducted research at Peking University, Harvard University, Princeton University, the National University of Singapore. He is the author of
Classifying the
Zhuangzi
Chapters
,
Orientational Issues in Textual Interpretation,Laozi Gujin
(The Laozi from the Ancient to Current)
, Quanshi yu Dingxiang
(
Hermeneutics and Orientation
)
, Liangjihua yu Fencungan
(
Polarization and the Sense of Propriety
), and the founding editor of the
Journal of Chinese Philosophy and Culture.
He served as visiting professor and keynote speaker at famous Universities and Institutes in Asia, America, and Europe. He has received prizes and awards for excellence in teaching and research in universities at Beijing, Singapore, and Hong Kong.