Skepticism in Ancient China and Ancient Greece: Zhuangzi and the Pyrrhonists

Abstract This article continues a recent tradition of interpreting the Zhuangzi as a fundamentally skeptical work (Chad Hansen) and more specifically as a work similar in spirit to ancient Greek skepticism, especially Pyrrhonism (Chung-ying Cheng, Paul Kjellberg, Lisa Raphals, Christoph Harbsmeier). The article argues that the resemblance between the Zhuangzi and ancient Pyrrhonism is considerably broader and deeper than has been recognized. It also argues that the major residual differences that have been alleged by the secondary literature (e.g. by Kjellberg) are in fact illusory. Finally, in light of all this, it considers the question of whether influence was involved. A positive answer is suggested: not indeed an influence of the Zhuangzi on Pyrrhonism or vice versa, but a common influence of Indian Buddhism on both.