
History of Philosophy: India, Africana, China
Peter Adamson teams up with Jonardon Ganeri, Chike Jeffers, and Karyn Lai to represent the philosophical traditions of ancient India, Africa and the African diaspora, and classical China. Website: www.historyofphilosophy.net.
Latest episodes

Jun 1, 2025 • 23min
HPC 31. Push and Pull: Mohist Dialectic
Later Mohists explained in the Canons how to provide compelling philosophical arguments, and how to avoid mistakes in argumentation. Does this count as “logic”?

May 18, 2025 • 23min
HPC 30. Horse of a Different Color: the Mohists on Language and Knowledge
What Mohist dialectics and Gongsun Long’s “White Horse Not Horse” argument tell us about the connection between language and knowledge.

May 4, 2025 • 19min
HPC 29. Ghost Writers: the Mohists on Religion
Did Mozi tell people that ghosts exist and that we can change our fate because he thought these things are true, or because it would be beneficial for people to believe them?

Apr 20, 2025 • 30min
HPC 28. Ting Mien Lee on Mohism and Confucianism
An interview on the contrasting views of Mohists and Confucians on ethical duties and warfare.

Apr 6, 2025 • 19min
HPC 27. Give Peace a Chance: the Mohists on War and Politics
How the Mohist principle of “inclusive care” leads to political order and (mostly) forbids the fighting of wars.

Mar 23, 2025 • 19min
HPC 26. Culture Wars: Mohist and Confucian Debates
Dive into the intriguing clash between Mohism and Confucianism as they debate the true meaning of morality. Explore whether seeking benefits is the right path to a good life. Discover how funeral practices and governance reveal deeper ethical views. The Moists promote inclusive care for all, while Confucians hold an elitist stance. Unpack the importance of accountable leadership and the role of ordinary people in moral decisions, advocating for a blend of philosophies in our ethical approach.

Mar 9, 2025 • 21min
HPC 25. Benefit, Then Stop: Mohism and Impartial Care
Dive into the consequentialist ethics of Moism, where impartial care takes center stage. Discover thought experiments that challenge our moral duties to those far away in need. Explore how this philosophy pushes for social welfare while navigating traditional emotions tied to care. Unpack critiques from Confucianism and ponder the balance between filial piety and inclusive ethics. This engaging discussion highlights the relevance of ancient philosophies in today's moral landscape.

Feb 23, 2025 • 20min
HPC 24. Measuring Up: Mohist philosophy
An introduction to the Mozi, the founding text of an anti-elitist school of thought that tests social and political practices by the measure of “benefit.”

Feb 9, 2025 • 35min
HPC 23. Amy Olberding on Confucian Ethics
In our final episode on classical Confucianism, our interview guest tells us about the surprising moral depth of the concept of "etiquette"

Jan 26, 2025 • 18min
HPC 22. Inside Job: Women in Confucianism
Can classical Confucianism be redeemed from its reputation for rigidly hierarchical thinking when it comes to the relationship between men and women?