Bryan W. Van Norden

Bryan W. Van Norden is an American philosopher and scholar specializing in Chinese and comparative philosophy. He serves as James Monroe Taylor Chair in Philosophy at Vassar College and is a Chair Professor at Wuhan University, China. Van Norden has made significant contributions to the understanding of Chinese philosophical traditions in Western academia through his translations and interpretations of classical Chinese texts. His work includes translations of Mengzi (Mencius) and critical analysis of Neo-Confucian philosophy, helping bridge Eastern and Western philosophical discourse. His 2017 book "Taking Back Philosophy: A Multicultural Manifesto" sparked discussion in academic circles by critiquing the Western-centric nature of philosophy departments in English-speaking universities. The book argues for including non-Western philosophical traditions in standard philosophy curricula and challenges the notion that philosophy is exclusively a Western discipline. Van Norden's influence extends beyond academia through his public commentary on contemporary issues, particularly regarding the relationship between Eastern and Western thought. His writings appear in publications such as The New York Times and The Stone, addressing topics ranging from cultural diversity in philosophy to modern applications of classical Chinese thought.

Readers praise Van Norden's ability to make complex Chinese philosophical concepts accessible without oversimplification. On Goodreads, his "Introduction to Classical Chinese Philosophy" receives appreciation for clear explanations and engaging writing style. What readers liked: - Clear explanations of difficult concepts - Balance between depth and accessibility - Effective use of contemporary examples - Thorough citations and references - Strong arguments in "Taking Back Philosophy" What readers disliked: - Some find his critiques of Western philosophy departments too confrontational - Technical language can be challenging for beginners - Limited coverage of certain philosophers/schools - Higher price point for academic texts Ratings across platforms: - Goodreads: "Introduction to Classical Chinese Philosophy" - 4.2/5 (82 ratings) - Amazon: "Taking Back Philosophy" - 4.3/5 (31 ratings) - Google Books: "Readings in Classical Chinese Philosophy" - 4.4/5 (24 ratings) One reviewer noted: "Van Norden succeeds in making Chinese philosophy relevant to contemporary debates without losing scholarly rigor."

Taking Back Philosophy: A Multicultural Manifesto (2017) Argues for including non-Western philosophical traditions in academic philosophy departments and discusses examples from Chinese philosophy.

Introduction to Classical Chinese Philosophy (2011) Provides an overview of major philosophical concepts and thinkers from the Classical period of Chinese thought.

Readings in Later Chinese Philosophy: Han to the 20th Century (2014) A collection of translated texts from Chinese philosophers spanning the Han dynasty through modern times, with historical context and commentary.

Readings in Classical Chinese Philosophy (2001) Presents translations of key texts from early Chinese philosophers including Confucius, Mozi, Mencius, and others, with interpretive commentary.

Classical Chinese for Everyone: A Guide to Learning Essential Characters and Culture (2019) Teaches fundamental aspects of classical Chinese language and writing through selected texts and cultural explanations.

Introduction to Chinese Philosophy (2020) Examines the development of Chinese philosophical thought from ancient times through the modern era, focusing on major schools and concepts.

Roger Ames translates Chinese philosophical texts and writes about comparative philosophy between Eastern and Western traditions. His work on Confucian role ethics and interpretations of classical Chinese thought shares Van Norden's focus on making Chinese philosophy accessible to English readers.

P.J. Ivanhoe specializes in Confucianism, virtue ethics, and East Asian thought. His translations and analyses of Chinese philosophical texts complement Van Norden's approach to bridging cultural and philosophical traditions.

David Wong examines moral relativism and cross-cultural ethics through Chinese and Western philosophical frameworks. His work on comparative ethics and moral psychology explores similar themes to Van Norden's research on virtue ethics.

Kwong-loi Shun focuses on Chinese philosophy, particularly Confucian ethics and moral psychology. His detailed textual analysis and interpretation of classical Chinese concepts mirror Van Norden's methodological approach.

Justin Tiwald writes about neo-Confucianism and comparative ethics between Chinese and Western traditions. His research on moral self-cultivation and political philosophy addresses similar questions to Van Norden's work on virtue and moral development.