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How can students and scholars in professional studies turn experience and ideas into practical knowledge and wisdom (phronesis)? How can critical and theoretical reflection on professional practice nurture practitioners' human development or Bildung, and help them develop the capacity to respond wisely in complex situations? How might world philosophies and intercultural dialogue inspire lived life and professional practice? With leading scholars as guests, hosts professors Michael Noah Weiss and Guro Hansen Helskog explore these questions at the intersection of philosophy, epistemology, education, and professional studies.
TRANSCRIPT SUMMARY
(This transcript summary was AI-generated and then edited by the podcast hosts for quality assurance)
#27 Peter Adamson | Intercultural History of Philosophy
- a podcast dialogue with Michael Noah Weiss and Guro Hansen Helskog
1. Introduction: Philosophy “Without Any Gaps” - An Ambitious Project
In this episode of the ResponsAbility Podcast, Michael Noah Weiss and Guro Hansen Helskog engage in a wide-ranging philosophical dialogue with Peter Adamson, professor of philosophy at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and King’s College London, and creator of the globally renowned podcast History of Philosophy without any gaps. The conversation explores Adamson’s distinctive approach to the history of philosophy, his reflections on intercultural philosophy, and the broader implications of philosophical inquiry for Bildung, professional practice, and the cultivation of practical wisdom.
The dialogue begins with Adamson explaining the idea behind his ambitious project. While the title suggests a comprehensive and perhaps unattainable goal, he clarifies that it represents more of an aspiration than a literal promise. His intention was to resist the conventional way philosophy is taught, where large stretches of intellectual history are omitted in favor of a narrow canon of “great thinkers.” Instead, he approaches philosophy as a continuous historical development, in which each thinker responds to a wider intellectual context rather than only to a few canonical predecessors. This allows for a more nuanced understanding of philosophy as an evolving and interconnected tradition.
2. From a European Canon to a Global Philosophy
A decisive turning point in Adamson’s project occurred when listeners challenged his initial exclusion of non-European traditions such as Indian and Chinese philosophy. Although he initially justified this by his lack of expertise, he came to recognize the legitimacy of the critique. A history of philosophy that omits entire traditions cannot meaningfully claim to be “without gaps.”
This led him to collaborate with experts in different traditions, transforming the project into a genuinely intercultural endeavor. Through this process, Adamson’s own understanding of philosophy expanded significantly. He now sees philosophy not as a predominantly European tradition but as a vast and plural field with multiple centers of development. This shift is not merely additive but transformative: it changes how philosophy itself is conceived.
3. Similarities and Differences Across Traditions
One of the central insights emerging from this expanded perspective is that philosophical traditions across cultures display both striking similarities and important differences. On the one hand, independent traditions often arrive at comparable insights, suggesting that philosophical reflection is a fundamental human activity. For example, Indian philosophy develops sophisticated theories of knowledge, while Chinese philosophy offers rich accounts of virtue and ethical cultivation.
On the other hand, each tradition foregrounds distinct concerns. Confucianism, for instance, emphasizes relational ethics and familial duties in a way that differs from Aristotelian virtue ethics, even though both traditions are concerned with character formation. This interplay of similarity and difference underscores the value of intercultural philosophy: it both confirms shared human concerns and challenges culturally specific assumptions.
4. Rediscovering Women in the History of Philosophy
Another important aspect of Adamson’s work is his engagement with the historical marginalization of women philosophers. Initially assuming that few women philosophers existed in antiquity, he revised this view after being challenged by listeners. While complete works authored by women are rare in early periods, there is nonetheless substantial material documenting their contributions.
Adamson emphasizes the importance of situating women philosophers within their intellectual contexts rather than treating them as a separate category. Although some recurring themes can be identified—such as arguments for women’s intellectual equality—the more significant point is that women philosophers participate in the same philosophical conversations as men. This reflects the broader aim of his project: to avoid leaving out important dimensions of the philosophical tradition.
5. Expanding Epistemology: Beyond the Western Canon
The conversation then turns to epistemology and the question of how different traditions understand knowledge. Adamson challenges the assumption that Western epistemology exhausts the possibilities of thinking about knowledge. Even within Europe, alternative approaches exist, such as medieval mysticism, where knowledge may arise through embodied or experiential encounters.
Looking beyond Europe, further perspectives emerge. Indian epistemology develops logical and empirical frameworks comparable to Western traditions, while Chinese philosophy introduces distinctive ideas such as knowing through exemplars—understanding virtue by recognizing and emulating moral models. These perspectives broaden the scope of epistemology and invite a reconsideration of what counts as knowledge.
6. Rethinking the Canon and Philosophy Education
Rather than simply advocating for the inclusion of more non-Western content, Adamson’s primary critique is directed at the notion of a fixed philosophical canon. He argues that the idea of “covering the basics” is fundamentally flawed, given the immense scope of philosophy even within Europe alone.
Instead, educators should reflect more critically on their choices: what they teach, why they teach it, and which values guide their selection. Whether prioritizing diversity, gender balance, or specific philosophical problems, the key is to move from unexamined canon reproduction to thoughtful and intentional curation. This resonates strongly with the ResponsAbility perspective on reflective judgment.
7. Bildung and the Formation of the Self
The notion of Bildung—self-formation through education—plays a central role in the discussion. Adamson highlights that many philosophical traditions emphasize moral education and character formation. Thinkers such as Aristotle and Confucius stress the importance of early habituation in shaping virtues.
At the same time, Adamson acknowledges that pre-modern philosophy was often elitist, restricted to those with access to education and leisure. Nevertheless, he argues that its core insight remains valid: knowledge and virtue contribute to a better life, not merely as means to external success but as intrinsic goods. This insight remains relevant for contemporary discussions of education and professional formation.
8. Cultivating Practical Wisdom (ResponsAbility)
The conversation then turns explicitly to practical wisdom, or what the podcast calls ResponsAbility. Drawing on Aristotle, Adamson describes practical wisdom as something developed through habituation and training. Individuals learn to respond appropriately in complex situations by repeatedly engaging with them.
Confucian philosophy offers a complementary perspective, emphasizing the cultivation of appropriate emotional attitudes and relational sensitivity. Within this tradition, debates arise about whether moral development nurtures innate tendencies or corrects flawed human nature. These perspectives illustrate the richness of philosophical reflection on moral formation and highlight the importance of engaging with multiple traditions to deepen our understanding of practical wisdom.
9. Philosophy in Professional Practice
Adamson argues that philosophy is relevant across all domains of professional life. Ethical questions arise not only in clearly defined areas such as medicine or business but also in everyday contexts. Even seemingly mundane situations—such as managing a workplace—can involve complex ethical considerations.
While individuals often rely on intuitive moral judgments shaped by upbringing, philosophical reflection enables them to critically examine and refine these judgments. In this sense, philosophy enhances awareness and responsibility in practice. Adamson suggests that, like mathematics, philosophy should be part of general education, equipping individuals with tools for thoughtful reflection.
10. The Transformative Impact of Philosophy
Finally, Adamson reflects on the impact of his podcast. One of the most rewarding aspects is receiving feedback from listeners who rediscover an interest in philosophy or begin engaging with philosophical texts. Even for those who do not pursue philosophy formally, exposure to philosophical ideas can broaden perspectives and deepen understanding.
For example, learning about Islamic philosophy can provide valuable context for interpreting contemporary global issues. In this way, philosophy contributes not only to personal development but also to a more informed and reflective engagement with the world.
11. Conclusion: Philosophy as a Practice of ResponsAbility
In conclusion, the episode presents a vision of philosophy as an expansive, intercultural, and practically relevant field. Adamson’s work challenges narrow conceptions of the philosophical canon and invites engagement with a richer intellectual landscape. At the same time, the conversation underscores the enduring importance of philosophy for Bildung, ethical reflection, and professional practice.
Philosophy thus emerges not merely as an academic discipline but as a way of cultivating ResponsAbility—the capacity to respond thoughtfully and wisely to the complexities of life.