A Comparative Study on the Significant Elements of the Philosophies of Beauty According to Lao Tzu and Heidegger

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to reveal the similarities and differences between Lao Tzu’s and Heidegger’s philosophies of beauty. This research aims to deepen the understanding on the essence of beauty of these two philosophies more systematically. This study employs a qualitative approach that consists of three main stages. The first stage involves using a document review to study the philosophy of beauty according to Lao Tzu, and analyzes the significant elements of Lao Tzu's philosophy of beauty. The second stage involves using a document review to study the philosophy of beauty according to Heidegger, and analyzes the significant elements of Heidegger's philosophy of beauty. The third stage involves juxtaposing the significant elements of Lao Tzu's and Heidegger's philosophies of beauty, and get the similarities and differences. The qualitative data was collected through document review, and analyzed through comparative analysis. The results showed that the similarities are that they all pursue the truth, confirm existence, and express transcendence, but they use different ways to achieve them. the research findings provide important insights into understanding the diverse phenomena of beauty and its implications on the communication of beauty between different cultures.