| Periodical Title | Aeon |
| Author(s) | Bryan W Van Norden |
| Abstract | This article argues that mainstream Western philosophy has become unjustifiably narrow-minded and exclusionary by ignoring non-Western philosophical traditions from China, India, Africa, and Indigenous cultures. Tracing the history of Western engagement with Chinese philosophy, it shows there was previously more openness to non-Western ideas that influenced major European thinkers like Leibniz and Voltaire. However, in recent centuries, the canon has closed under the influence of thinkers like Kant and Heidegger who espoused racist views and argued philosophy is essentially a Western endeavor inseparable from its Greek origins. The article calls out this view as both scientifically flawed and morally problematic. It makes the case that non-Western traditions have much to offer and that broadening the philosophical canon would better live up to the cosmopolitan ideals that should motivate philosophy. Expanding the range of voices and perspectives included is presented as a way to grow the discipline intellectually and make it more diverse and culturally relevant. This content was generated by artificial intelligence using the text of the original work. |
| Pages | 1-9 |
| Keywords | Western philosophy, non-Western philosophy, Chinese philosophy, African philosophy, canon, racism This content was generated by artificial intelligence using the text of the original work. |
| Date Published | 2017 |
| URL | https://aeon.co/essays/why-the-western-philosophical-canon-is-xenophobic-and-racist |
| Open Access? | Yes |
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