The transcendental construction in Laozi’s political reflection and the foundations of Chinese philosophy

Laozi’s philosophy originated from reflecting on the power logic of Zhou Dynasty. The legitimacy of Western Zhou rule was based on the alignment of De (dé 德, virtue) and political authority, where rulers maintained their power through adherence to De, thereby justifying the hierarchical ritual order. Confronting the Zhou King’s decline and the collapse of rites and music since the Spring and Autumn period, Laozi introduced the transcendental Dao (dào 道) as the origin of all things and the supreme law. Using Dao as the axiological basis, laozi reconstructed the authentic connotation of De and applied the Dao to political affairs, advocating that the ruler’s De should embody Dao’s characteristics, promoting people’s welfare by emulating the Dao’s humility and withdrawal. Despite some metaphysical limits, Laozi’s thought, with its transcendental Dao and focus on people’s welfare, became foundational to Chinese philosophy and religious thought.