#28 Bryan van Norden | Chinese Philosophy and Intercultural Dialogue

In this episode, philosopher Bryan van Norden joins the ResponsAbility Podcast to explore the importance of intercultural philosophy in a globalized world. Drawing on decades of work in Chinese and comparative philosophy, he reflects on the persistent Eurocentrism of academic philosophy and the gradual shift toward a more inclusive canon. The conversation highlights how traditions such as Confucianism contribute rich insights into ethical cultivation, virtue, and practical wisdom, offering perspectives highly relevant to professional life. Bryan also discusses how dialogue across traditions deepens philosophical understanding, challenges assumptions, and fosters more responsible and meaningful ways of living. The episode ultimately invites listeners to rethink philosophy as a genuinely global, dialogical practice with practical implications for education, society, and personal development.

00:00:54 – Motivation and background: how Bryan became interested in Chinese philosophy

00:02:44 – Eurocentrism in philosophy: developments and changes in academia

00:06:05 – Why study Chinese philosophy today

00:08:33 – Intercultural philosophy: value of dialogue between traditions

00:11:44 – Comparative insights: what becomes visible across traditions

00:16:20 – Application: relevance of intercultural philosophy for professional studies

00:19:24 – Exclusion of non-Western philosophy: historical and philosophical reasons

00:22:45 – Global challenges: what intercultural philosophy can contribute

00:24:33 – ResponsAbility and virtue: shared ideas across traditions

00:28:04 – Anti-intellectualism: consequences of rejecting philosophy and science

00:32:52 – Living well: how philosophy can guide meaningful and responsible lives

Literature:

• van Norden, Bryan. 2019.Classical Chinese For Everyone:A Guide For Absolute Beginner. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing, 2019.
• van Norden, Bryan and Justin Tiwald (eds)- 2014. Readings in Later Chinese Philosophy: Han to the 20th Century. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing,
• van Norden, Bryan. 2011. Introduction to Classical Chinese Philosophy. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing, 2011.
• Van Norden, Bryan. 2009. Translator, The Essential Mengzi: Selected Passages with Traditional Commentary. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing, 2009.
• Van Norden, Bryan. 2008. Translator, Mengzi: With Selections from Traditional Commentaries. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing.
• Van Norden, Bryan. 2007. Virtue Ethics and Consequentialism in Early Chinese Philosophy. New York: Cambridge University Press.
• Van Norden, Bryan and Philip J. Ivanhoe. (eds) 2005. Readings in Classical Chinese Philosophy. Second ed. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing,
• Van Norden, Bryan. (ed) 2001. Confucius and the "Analects": New Essays. New York: Oxford University Press, 2001.
• Van Norden, Bryan (ed.) 1996. The Ways of Confucianism by David S. Nivison. Chicago: Open Court Press, 1996. Chinese translation published as 儒家之道 : 中国哲学之探讨 (Nanjing : Jiangsu renmin chubanshe, 2006).