Bryan Van Norden's 'Taking Back Philosophy' is a call to broaden the scope of philosophical inquiry by incorporating non-Western traditions. The book challenges the dominance of the European philosophical canon, arguing that excluding other traditions impoverishes the field and limits our understanding of fundamental questions. Van Norden critiques the historical and cultural biases that have led to the marginalization of Chinese, Indian, Africana, and indigenous philosophies. He demonstrates the relevance and value of these traditions, illustrating how they can enrich contemporary philosophical debates and promote cross-cultural dialogue. This book encourages a more inclusive and globally aware approach to philosophical education.
Bryan Van Norden's 'Introduction to Classical Chinese Philosophy' offers readers an accessible entry point into understanding the rich philosophical traditions of ancient China. The book covers Confucianism, Taoism, Mohism, and Legalism, providing historical context and examining key texts and figures. Van Norden elucidates complex concepts such as ren (benevolence), dao (the Way), and li (ritual propriety), illustrating their relevance to contemporary ethical and political issues. By bridging the gap between Eastern and Western philosophical thought, it encourages critical engagement with diverse perspectives and promotes a deeper understanding of human existence.
This book explores the 1936 murder of Professor Moritz Schlick, a pivotal figure in the Vienna Circle, a group of influential philosophers. The event marked the beginning of the end for this intellectual movement, which was heavily influenced by anti-Semitism and rising extremism in pre-WWII Europe. The book delves into the cultural and intellectual context of Vienna during that period.
This book examines the ways in which Chinese nationalist thinkers have utilized Greek classical texts, particularly in the context of China's modernization and political shifts. It highlights two distinct waves of engagement with these texts: one during the early twentieth century and another following the Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989. The book explores how figures like Plato and Aristotle have been interpreted to support or critique Western democracy and the Chinese socialist system.
The Tao Te Ching is a central text in Taoist philosophy and religion. It consists of 81 brief chapters or sections that discuss the nature of the Tao, which is described as the source and ideal of all existence. The text emphasizes living in harmony with nature, the importance of simplicity, humility, and the interconnectedness of all things. It critiques unnatural actions and social activism based on abstract moralism, advocating for a life of 'nonaction' (wu wei) and spontaneity. The text has been highly influential in Chinese philosophy and has been translated numerous times, making it one of the most translated texts in world literature[2][3][4].
The Nicomachean Ethics is Aristotle's most renowned work on ethics, focusing on the science of the good for human life. The text is divided into ten books and discusses the concept of eudaimonia, often translated as 'happiness' or 'flourishing,' which is achieved through living a virtuous life. Aristotle argues that eudaimonia is an activity of the soul in accordance with virtue, emphasizing the importance of reason, moral virtues, and the pursuit of excellence. The work also explores the division of the soul, the role of rationality in human life, and the ultimate goal of human activity, which is to achieve happiness through virtuous actions and a complete life[1][2][4].
The Analects is a collection of sayings and ideas attributed to the Chinese philosopher Confucius and his contemporaries. It offers insights into Confucian ethics, politics, and social life. The text emphasizes the importance of moral cultivation, ritual propriety, and the cultivation of virtues like ren (benevolence) and yi (righteousness). It's a foundational text for understanding Confucian thought and its influence on Chinese culture and beyond. The Analects' aphoristic style and focus on practical wisdom have made it a significant work in both Eastern and Western philosophical traditions.
Principia Ethica, published in 1903, is a seminal work in ethics that shifted the study of ethics from normative questions to issues of 'metaethics,' the study of ethical concepts. Moore critiques conventional ethical theories and introduces the concept of the 'naturalistic fallacy,' which argues against conflating moral terms with natural properties. The book distinguishes between questions related to the intrinsic goodness of things and those concerning the rightness of actions, emphasizing the importance of understanding what is meant by 'good' before attempting to define it.
Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature. Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.
This book provides a detailed translation of Plato's Parmenides along with a comprehensive commentary. It analyzes the dialogue's structure and its implications for Plato's theory of Ideas, relating it to other dialogues and Aristotle's criticisms. The commentary highlights the aporetic nature of the arguments and their significance in understanding Plato's philosophy.
The Dao De Jing, also known as the Tao Te Ching, is a central text of Taoist thought, composed of 81 brief chapters that explore the nature of reality, ethics, and governance. It emphasizes living in harmony with the natural order (the Dao) and advocates for simplicity, humility, and non-action (wuwei). The text has been influential in Chinese philosophy and continues to be studied worldwide for its insights into spirituality and governance.
It is common to refer to philosophy as "a series of footnotes to Plato." But in the original quote, Alfred North Whitehead was more careful: he limited his characterization to "the European philosophical tradition." There are other traditions, both ancient and ongoing: Chinese philosophy, Indian philosophy, Africana philosophy, and various indigenous philosophies. For the most part, these do not get nearly as much attention in European and American schools as the European tradition does. Bryan Van Norden argues for expanding philosophy's geographical scope, to the benefit of philosophy in general.
Blog post with transcript: https://www.preposterousuniverse.com/podcast/2025/06/23/319-bryan-van-norden-on-philosophy-from-the-rest-of-the-world/
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Bryan Van Norden received his Ph.D. in philosophy from Stanford University. He is currently James Monroe Taylor Chair in Philosophy at Vassar College and Chair Professor in the School of Philosophy at Wuhan University. Among his books are Introduction to Classical Chinese Philosophy and Taking Back Philosophy: A Multicultural Manifesto. He is a recipient of Fulbright, National Endowment for the Humanities, and Mellon fellowships.
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