Shuchen Xiang

Shuchen Xiang, Mount Hua Professor of Philosophy at Xidian University and author of a pivotal new book, dives into the rich tapestry of Chinese identity. She offers a fresh examination of Chinese cosmopolitanism, contrasting it with Western ideas of race and identity. Xiang argues that Chinese philosophy promotes a dynamic identity formed out of diversity, rejecting fixed notions of race. Highlights include her exploration of Confucianism's interplay with contemporary critical race theory and the idea that Chinese identity is more about cultural hybridity than lineage.

Shuchen Xiang, Mount Hua Professor of Philosophy at Xidian University, explores the nuances of Chinese cosmopolitanism, arguing for an alternative understanding of identity and difference. She highlights how China's historical approach contrasts sharply with the catastrophic Western encounters with diversity. Xiang discusses the philosophical underpinnings of this cosmopolitan identity, critiques Western racism, and presents her innovative model for comparative philosophy. She emphasizes harmony through diversity and hints at her upcoming work on Confucian critiques of desire.

Shuchen Xiang, author of 'Chinese Cosmopolitanism: The History and Philosophy of an Idea', discusses the Chinese cultural tradition as a cosmopolitan melting pot that synthesized different cultures. She argues that 'Chinese' identity is not a racial identity and explains how China embraced distinct peoples into a common identity. The podcast explores the singularity of Western racism, the metaphysical framework of Chinese cosmopolitanism, harmony and diversity, the concept of the barbarian, processual holism, and Chinese theories of war and military efficacy.