Zhuangzi’s Philosophy of Technology (Ji) and Its Modern Implications

庄子的技术哲学是关于“技”的哲学。庄子文中的“技”一方面指的是一种技艺，这种技艺被专精熟练地运用于生活中，是一种充分利用特长与技巧处理某种事物的能力；另一方面，由“技”可以体认“道”。“道”进乎“技”，“道”在“技”中，庄子的技术是一种自由的“艺”，也是一种人生修养，是一种达道的途径。庄子的技术哲学是生命性的，技术对自然生命来说是好是坏，其判断标准是这种技术是否符合天道无为，是否顺应自然的生命本性。将技术的工具理性和价值理性结合起来，使技术真正为人的自由发展服务，是庄子技术哲学的重要关切。Zhuangzi’s philosophy of technology revolves around the concept of “skill” (Ji). In Zhuangzi’s writings, “skill” refers not only to a specialized and refined ability applied to practical life—a capacity to adeptly utilize one’s strengths and techniques to address specific tasks—but also serves as a medium for apprehending “Dao” (the Way). For Zhuangzi, “Dao transcends yet manifests through skill” (Dao resides within Ji), rendering technology a form of liberated artistry and a cultivation of life, functioning as a pathway to realizing Dao. His technological philosophy is inherently life-centric, evaluating the value of technology based on its alignment with the “non-action” (Wuwei) of heavenly Dao and its harmony with the natural vitality of life. A central concern in Zhuangzi’s thought lies in synthesizing the instrumental rationality and value rationality of technology, ensuring that technological development genuinely serves human freedom and holistic flourishing.