This course examines the development of classical philosophy in pre-modern China, beginning from the Lunyu, Daodejing, and Zhuangzi. We will consider changes among commentators to the same material, as well as changes in commentarial strategy that occur over time, taking into account major cultural shifts, such as the advent of Chinese Buddhism. While classical Chinese traditions are generally viewed as philosophical or religious phenomena, here they will be presented as a set of linked traditions that changed in response to social, political, and religious shifts.