Does Taoism advocate free will

Answer 1

Yes. Taoism is decidedly about free will. The words of the sage, Lao Tzu are merely a guide to being in balance with and understanding the Tao.

There are a lot of translations out there. One of my favorites is by Witter Byner, written in the 1940's I believe. Byner comes from a western/Christian background, so the flavor is familiar to the Western mind and flawlessly transmits the perennial nature of the Tao Te Ching.

I am, of course, self studied in Taoism. The modern "churches" of Taoism may be far too riddled with its own ego to be worth much, just as most religions and churches are.

As a second Taoist to address this question, I agree entirely. I would like to add, however, that Taoism is not merely about free will. It advocates government that fosters freedom in the people who are being governed - to the point that they people do not think about being governed, and regard themselves as free people who do what is right because it is right.