Perspectives on Taoist history: Kristofer Schipper, Isabelle Robinet, and Livia Kohn

Abstract

This thesis is an exploration of three scholarly presentations of Taoist history. Specifically, it addresses the presentations of Kristofer Schipper, Isabelle Robinet, and Livia Kohn. These specific scholars were chosen because they are among the few scholars of Taoist history who have recently attempted to summarize and to explain Taoist history from its beginnings to modern times in a comprehensive way. Chapter Two begins by discussing their presentations of Taoist history to 600 CE. Chapter Three discusses their presentations of Taoist history from 600 to 1200 CE, and Chapter Four discusses Taoist history from 1200 CE to the present. Where appropriate, this thesis compares and contrasts the differences among Schipper's, Robinet's, and Kohn's perspectives on Taoist history.