Chinese Philosophy and Culture from the Perspective of Cognitive Aesthetics: A Comparative Study of Taoist and Confucian Aesthetics

Abstract

Taoist and Confucian aesthetics have significant effects on cognitive psychology, neuroscience and historical arts. The main objective of this study is to perform a comparative analysis of Taoist and Confucian aesthetics. Moreover, we examined how they alter perception, attention and emotional regulation through visual stimuli of different compositions, materials and form. The study employs a mixed methods design involving qualitative and quantitative aspects. We analysed key philosophical texts from Tao Te Ching and Analects of Confucius to identify and elucidate foundational aesthetic concepts associated with every tradition. The findings showed that Confucian aesthetics were based on hierarchy, order, symbolic codes, perception-based rules and focused attention. In contrast, Taoist aesthetics embraced spontaneity, simplicity and oneness with the natural world that evokes effortless attention and perceptual fluidity. All aesthetics were found to evoke different cognitive pathways with a common sense on harmonious co-existence.