
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

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?

Jan 12, 2025 • 39min
HPC 21. Sor-Hoon Tan on Confucian Democracy
Sor-Hoon Tan, a Professor at Singapore Management University and an expert in Confucianism and democracy, dives deep into the adaptation of Confucian ideas for modern democratic contexts. She explores the historical dynamics between Confucianism and democratic ideals, emphasizing the importance of community welfare over elite interests. Tan advocates for gender equality and LGBTQ rights within a reinterpreted Confucian framework. Additionally, she discusses how Confucian principles can contribute to global justice, promoting a communal approach to resource distribution.

Dec 29, 2024 • 20min
HPC 20. Heaven Can Wait: Ritual and Religion in Confucianism
Were Confucian ideas about Heaven, ritual, and fate driven by a religious attitude, or a naturalistic one?

Dec 15, 2024 • 21min
HPC 19. The Kingly Way: Confucian Political Philosophy
Delve into the intriguing nuances of Confucian political philosophy. Discover how thinkers like Mengzi advocate idealism, while Xunzi offers pragmatic insights for managing flawed rulers. Explore the balance between order, virtue, and the delicate dynamics of authority versus legitimacy. The concept of heavenly mandate is analyzed, highlighting its role in justifying rulers and the potential for revolution. Unpack the moral responsibilities that leaders bear in navigating the complexities of human nature and governance.
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