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VOL. 8, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Beyond the mandate: Deconstructing the "Way of Heaven" (Tiandao) in Pre-Qin Chinese philosophy
Authors
Feifei Yan
Abstract
The concept of the "Way of Heaven" (Tiandao)
serves as a foundational pillar in Chinese philosophy. Traditionally understood
as an anthropomorphic deity or supreme conscious force governing human affairs,
this orthodox view underwent a profound epistemic rupture during the Pre-Qin
period. This paper explores the "alternative" or dissenting
discourses on Tiandao, analyzing how pioneering thinkers shifted the
paradigm from fatalistic subservience to rational humanism and naturalistic
ontology. By sequentially examining the political pragmatism of Zi Chan, the
moral interiority of Confucius, the naturalistic determinism of Xunzi, the
utilitarian paradox of Mozi, and the ontological syntheses of Laozi, this study
demonstrates a progressive secularization and internalization of Heaven. The
findings reveal that the re-conceptualization of Tiandao was not merely
a theological debate, but a crucial evolution in Chinese political theory and
moral psychology, ultimately establishing Tiandao as the ultimate,
objective source of creation and ethical grounding.
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Pages:113-116
How to cite this article:
Feifei Yan "Beyond the mandate: Deconstructing the "Way of Heaven" (<i>Tiandao</i>) in Pre-Qin Chinese philosophy". International Journal of Social Science and Humanities, Vol 8, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 113-116
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