HPC 50. Bryan Van Norden on Warring States Philosophy

Peter K.J. Park's work examines how racialist and imperialist ideologies contributed to the marginalization of African and Asian philosophical traditions in Western academic philosophy. The book analyzes historical episodes and intellectual currents that led to the construction of a narrow canon centered on Europe. Park documents how supposed scientific racism provided 'justifications' for excluding non-Western thought from serious philosophical consideration. By highlighting these historical factors, the study calls for a re-evaluation and more inclusive understanding of philosophical history. The book contributes to contemporary debates on decolonizing curricula and recognizing global intellectual contributions.

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.

Hu Shih's 'The Development of the Logical Method in Ancient China' traces forms of reasoning and logical method in early Chinese texts, arguing for indigenous analytic tendencies. Originally his doctoral work, the study influenced 20th-century scholarship by highlighting parallels between Chinese and Western logical inquiry. Hu used this framework to advocate for modernizing Chinese intellectual life and re-evaluating classical texts through critical methods. The work played a part in subsequent reinterpretations of schools like the School of Names and the role of language in Chinese philosophy. While subject to later debate and revision, it remains a foundational contribution to modern Sinology and comparative philosophy.

In this book, Bertrand Russell delves into the core problems of philosophy, particularly focusing on epistemology. He examines the distinction between appearance and reality, the nature of matter, and the types of knowledge we can have. Russell introduces concepts such as 'sense-data' and contrasts them with physical objects, questioning the existence of external objects independent of our perception. He also discusses the theories of various philosophers, including Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, and others, to lay the foundation for philosophical inquiry. The book emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and the value of philosophy in challenging common sense and habitual beliefs.

In this book, Thomas Cahill explores how Ireland's conversion to Christianity and the efforts of Irish monks and scribes were instrumental in preserving classical knowledge during the Dark Ages. The book details how St. Patrick introduced Christianity to Ireland, leading to a culture of literacy and learning that allowed Irish monks to copy and preserve manuscripts of Greek and Latin writers. These monks played a pivotal role in maintaining Western civilization by safeguarding classical texts and disseminating knowledge throughout Europe as the Dark Ages gave way to the Medieval Age. The narrative also highlights the influence of Irish Christianity on the continent, including the establishment of monasteries and the spread of Irish culture and learning.

Alasdair MacIntyre's "After Virtue" is a highly influential work in moral philosophy that critiques modern ethical theories and proposes a return to virtue ethics. MacIntyre argues that modern moral philosophy has lost its way, leading to a fragmented and incoherent understanding of morality. He traces the historical development of ethical thought, identifying the decline of virtue ethics and the rise of emotivism and other relativistic approaches. MacIntyre proposes a revival of virtue ethics grounded in the Aristotelian tradition, emphasizing the importance of character development and the cultivation of virtuous dispositions. His work has had a profound impact on contemporary ethical debates, inspiring renewed interest in virtue ethics and its application to various social and political issues.

Published in 1651, 'Leviathan' by Thomas Hobbes is a comprehensive treatise on political philosophy. The book is divided into four main parts: 'Of Man,' 'Of Commonwealth,' 'Of a Christian Commonwealth,' and 'Of the Kingdom of Darkness. ' Hobbes argues that the natural state of humans is one of conflict and anarchy, and that the best way to achieve peace and security is through the establishment of a commonwealth governed by an absolute sovereign. This sovereign, which Hobbes terms the 'Leviathan,' has supreme authority over all aspects of governance, including law, religion, and public offices. Hobbes' work is a foundational text in social contract theory and continues to influence political thought to this day.