Dao, Nature, and Cyberism: A Philosophical Inquiry in Cyber-Physical-Social-Thinking (CPST) Space

With the rapid expansion of cyberspace driven by electronic computing, networking technologies, and artificial intelligence, the human living environment has evolved from the traditional physical–social–cognitive structure into a coupled Cyber-Physical-Social-Thinking (CPST) space. This transformation has raised new challenges regarding the re-representation and governance of natural order. Against this backdrop, this study adopts Cyberism as its methodological foundation and draws upon the Daoist principles of Dao follows nature and wu wei (non-coercive action). Within the CPST framework, we reinterpret the natural laws and generative order implied by the Dao and integrate a contemporary cyber-theoretical understanding of wu wei to propose four guiding principles: compliance, limits, self-reflection, and co-governance. Furthermore, focusing on representative technological contexts such as digital twins and artificial general intelligence (AGI), the study formulates ten philosophical propositions—time, space, representation, embodiment, identity, ethics, governance, ecology, knowledge, and risk—to reveal the fundamental tensions through which digital technologies reshape the structure of natural experience, the boundaries of subjectivity, and the logic of governance. To bridge theory and practice, a three-layer conceptual framework for Dao–Cyber synergy is developed, consisting of representation, interaction, and value. Finally, a set of Dao-consistent design principles is proposed to support the coordinated development of Dao and nature, providing both theoretical guidance and methodological foundations. These principles also offer practical insights for applications such as digital twins, intelligent governance, and emerging technological ethics, demonstrating the contemporary relevance of Chinese philosophical wisdom in addressing challenges in digital transformation and technological governance.