在《老子》第四十一章之中，以「上士」、「中士」、「下士」聽到有關「道」之論述所呈現的反應，來說明道體之屬性。對於以上三者的意涵，顯然是修養境界上的差別。在《老子》的辯證邏輯中，分為形而上超越性意義，及形而下的現象界概念，但「上、中、下」境界三分法並非完全與以上的邏輯相合。歷代研究尚未就此問題作系統性詮釋，因此筆者認為以上三者的指涉內容，尚有深入探討的空間。本論文將聚焦於《老子》第四十一章，探討這三者在境界上的差別，並且窺探三種境界在《老子》辯證邏輯思維的定位。為了試圖釐清以上三者境界在「形相」之內容及其人格特質，筆者將以《莊子》內篇中的有關「修養境界」及「修養工夫」之描述，作為補充說明之用。冀望能夠藉此論文補充老子《老子》境界論之義理內容。

From chapter 41 in Lao-zi, the characteristics of “Tao” is classified intothree types of intellectuals, which differentially react to the statement of “Tao”. The intrinsic concept of three intellectuals are representing three different levels of vision. The major differences among the three types of intellectuals are in the context of jing-jie, which means the state of mind. However, the differences within various states, which are upper, middle and lower, are not comparable to the logical system of Lao-zi. The distinct logical structure of Lao-zi can be divided into two domains. One is the transcendental and metaphysical meaning, while the other one is the physical, or sensational, phenomenal concepts. The former one is not only the general rule of being but also provide the room for “being”. The later one is the concepts that resulting from conceptual thinking by human’s hsin (heart/mind). Therefore, questions like what is the relationship between the above binary opposition and three state of mind is yet to be answered and investigated systematically. In light of that, the above question would be investigated in this research paper for the sake of providing logical answers accordingly. Here, the scope of work and methodology of this paper will be introduced and discussed. The definition of three intellectuals will be first clarified according to their “reactions” as well as their differences in terms of the state of mind. Moreover, the content of “Jong-zi” would be referred as a supplemental explanation for the three intellectuals since the theoretical system of it is similar to Lao-zi (i.e. Daoism). Finally, I through this investigation/research, the theory of jing-jie in Daoism studies could be further enriched and provide better knowledge/understanding to the field.