History of Philosophy: India, Africana, China

Peter Adamson, Jonardon Ganeri, Chike Jeffers

Africana Philosophy

Critical Race Theory

Afrocentricity

Civil Rights Movement

Molefi Kete Asante

African Culture

Kimberly Crenshaw

Derek Bell

Affirmative Action

Confucianism

Daoism

Chinese Philosophy

Cultural Nationalism

Black Studies

Legal Studies

Racial Inequality

Yi Jing

Confucius

Afrocentrism

Kemet Afrocentrism

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.

696 ratings

Publishes	Twice monthly	Episodes	247	Founded	10 years ago
Number of Listeners		Categories	PhilosophySociety & Culture

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Latest Episodes

HPC 42. A Black and White World: the Zhuangzi on Shi-Fei Dogmatism

The Zhuangzi’s critique of dogmatic approaches to argumentation and governing the state.

7 Dec 2025 • 18 min

HPC 41. To Speak or Not to Speak: Skepticism in the Zhuangzi

We introduce the second great classic of Warring States Daoism, the Zhuangzi, and ask whether it adopts a position of radical skepticism.

23 Nov 2025 • 23 min

HPC 40. Antiheroes: Sunzi’s Art of War

Are the methods of warfare proposed in the famous Art of War an example of “applied Daoism”?

9 Nov 2025 • 18 min

HPC 39. Robin Wang on Yin-Yang Thinking

An interview on the pervasive use of the yin-yang relational pair in classical Chinese thought generally, and in Daoism in particular.

26 Oct 2025 • 42 min

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People also subscribe to these shows.

History of Philosophy Without Any GapsPeter Adamson

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In Our TimeBBC Radio 4

Recent Guests

Robin Wang

Professor of Philosophy at Loyola Marymount University

Loyola Marymount University

Episode: HPC 39. Robin Wang on Yin-Yang Thinking

Chris Fraser

Chan Professor in the School of Chinese at the University of Hong Kong

University of Hong Kong

Episode: HPC 32. Chris Fraser on Mohism

Chris Frazier

A leading specialist on the Moas and author of works on Moism.

Episode: HPC 31. Push and Pull: Mohist Dialectic

Ting Mien Lee

Professor of Philosophy at the University of Macau

University of Macau

Episode: HPC 28. Ting Mien Lee on Mohism and Confucianism

Amy Olberding

Professor of Philosophy at the University of Oklahoma

University of Oklahoma

Episode: HPC 23. Amy Olberding on Confucian Ethics

Amy Alberding

Philosopher focusing on the significance of etiquette and rudeness

Episode: HPC 22. Inside Job: Women in Confucianism

Sor-Hoon Tan

Professor of Philosophy at Singapore Management University

Singapore Management University

Episode: HPC 21. Sor-Hoon Tan on Confucian Democracy

Erica Brindley

Professor of Asian Studies, History and Philosophy

Penn State

Episode: HPC 18. Erica Brindley on Music and the Cosmos in Confucianism

Mark Csikszentmihalyi

Professor and liaison chair of International Studies

University of California, Berkeley

Episode: HPC 11. Mark Csikszentmihalyi on Early Confucianism

Hosts

Peter Adamson

Philosopher and host, known for his engaging discussions on various philosophical traditions and their importance in a historical context.

Karyn Lai

Co-host and philosopher, focusing on the historical contexts of philosophical thought, particularly in East Asian philosophy.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 696 ratings

Excellent, life-changing!
Podcast Addict
5
ABee
7 months ago
Great Introduction to Chinese Philosophy
The most accessible introduction to Chinese philosophy and the ways it’s interpreted today I’ve listend to.
Apple Podcasts
5
cdongowski
Germany10 months ago
Missing episodes 2-6
Hi Peter, can’t find these episodes. Any hope?
Apple Podcasts
5
Sirjeeeee
India2 years ago
The best survey of philosophy you could ask for
I’ve been listening to this podcast from the beginning and it has been of the highest order—which should be expected of anyone familiar with the History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps.
Apple Podcasts
5
GeniusOfSound
United States2 years ago
Awesome stuff
A great resource for anyone trying to break away from the exclusivity and tunnel vision of the traditional western mindset
Apple Podcasts
5
InsultingRetard
United States3 years ago

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Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Many have found it an invaluable resource for breaking away from traditional Eurocentric philosophies, favoring inclusivity and depth in discussions.

Some users noted the podcast spurred their interest in broader philosophical inquiries and encouraged deeper exploration of the subjects discussed.

It's praised for providing a rich survey of philosophical traditions, emphasizing the importance of non-Western perspectives.

Listeners appreciate the podcast's accessible introduction to Chinese philosophy and its contemporary relevance.

Chart Rankings

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Apple Podcasts	#64	United States/Society & Culture/Philosophy
Apple Podcasts	#39	Canada/Society & Culture/Philosophy
Apple Podcasts	#67	United Kingdom/Society & Culture/Philosophy
Apple Podcasts	#62	Australia/Society & Culture/Philosophy
Apple Podcasts	#70	Germany/Society & Culture/Philosophy
Apple Podcasts	#163	Italy/Society & Culture/Philosophy

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

HPC 39. Robin Wang on Yin-Yang Thinking

Q: What does the pairing of male and female with yin-yang tell us about gender conceptions in the Warring States period?

It indicates that Dao De Jing values feminine qualities, portraying Yin as a cosmic force essential for generative processes.

HPC 39. Robin Wang on Yin-Yang Thinking

Q: Is there a more specific take on yin-yang in Taoist philosophy?

Yes, it emphasizes the hidden aspects and the dynamic interplay between Yin and Yang.

HPC 28. Ting Mien Lee on Mohism and Confucianism

Q: How would you compare Moism to other forms of consequentialism?

Moism emphasizes duty and caring for vulnerable people while being a form of consequentialism that is distinct due to its religious undertones.

HPC 28. Ting Mien Lee on Mohism and Confucianism

Q: What do you think the conflict between Confucianism and Moism concerning war is as clear as that?

While both traditions advocate for kindness and righteousness, they differ in the standards for justifying war, with Moism being more restrictive.

HPC 28. Ting Mien Lee on Mohism and Confucianism

Q: What is the main contribution to our understanding of Chinese intellectual history that we get from Moism?

Moism provides crucial insights into the Warring States philosophical scene, particularly in understanding Confucianism through their debates.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The content focuses on exploring philosophical traditions from ancient India, Africa, and classical China, showcasing the richness and diversity of these perspectives. Episodes feature discussions on key philosophical texts and figures, engaging with the complexities of thought in these traditions, while drawing parallels and contrasts with Western philosophies. The hosts often engage in critical dialogues that challenge Eurocentric narratives, aiming to broaden the listener's understanding of global intellectual history and its relevance today.

Highlighting themes of skepticism, ethics, language, and the interplay between philosophical ideas and societal structures, this podcast stands out for its effort to introduce listeners to lesser-k... more

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1. History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps
2. Philosophy Bites
3. The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast
4. What's Left of Philosophy
5. In Our Time

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this podcast launched 10 years ago and published 247 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Robin Wang
2. Chris Fraser
3. Chris Frazier
4. Ting Mien Lee
5. Amy Olberding
6. Amy Alberding
7. Sor-Hoon Tan
8. Erica Brindley

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