Essential Readings On Chinese Philosophy

Essential Readings on Chinese Philosophy
1 de 19
http://faculty.vassar.edu/brvannor/bibliography.html

Compiled by Bryan W. Van Norden
(version of August 12, 2015)
This list represents one opinion on the essential translations and secondary readings in English on Chinese
philosophy. This is not a comprehensive list, and it focuses on works that will appeal to those with interest in
philosophy. Feel free to email me with comments or suggestions about this bibliography. My username is
"brvannorden" at host vassar dot edu.
Table of Contents
1. General Histories
2. General Anthologies
3. Confucianism
4. Daoism (Taoism)
5. Mohism
6. I Ching (Changes)
7. Han Dynasty
8. Thematic Studies
9. Buddhism
10. Neo-Confucianism
11. Online Resources
1. General Histories
Angus C. Graham, Disputers of the Tao (La Salle, Illinois: Open Court, 1989). ISBN: 0812690885. One of
the best general histories of ancient Chinese philosophy so far. Much of this book is culled from Graham's
17/12/2016 07:18 p.m.
2 de 19
earlier articles. Graham is not as strong as Schwartz (see below) on Confucianism, but his discussion of Later
Mohism and the "School of Names" is better than Schwartz's. You can order this book directly.
Benjamin Schwartz, The World of Thought in Ancient China (Cambridge, Massachusetts: Belknap Press,
1985). ISBN: 0674961919. One of the best general histories of ancient Chinese philosophy so far. Schwartz is
not as strong as Graham (see above) on Later Mohism and the "School of Names," but his discussion of
Confucianism is better than Graham's. You can order this book directly.
Justin Tiwald, ed., Oxford Handbook on Chinese Philosophy (New York: Oxford Univers Press,
forthcoming). Anthology of essays on a variety of topics by scholars from contrasting perspectives.
Bryan W. Van Norden, Introduction to Classical Chinese Philosophy (Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing,
2011). A general history of ancient Chinese philosophy. Chapters are brief and designed to be accessible to
undergraduates or general readers. You can order this book directly.
2. General Anthologies [ToC]

Philip J. Ivanhoe and Bryan W. Van Norden, eds., Readings in Classical Chinese Philosophy, 2nd
ed.(Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing, 2005). Selections from major ancient Chinese thinkers, including
Confucians, Daoists, and other schools of thought most Westerners are unfamiliar with. Includes introductions
to each selection and suggested readings. Want to order this book?
Justin Tiwald and Bryan W. Van Norden, eds., Readings in Later Chinese Philosophy: Han to the 20th
Century (Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing, 2014). Selections from a variety of major Confucian and Buddhist
philosophers. Includes introductions to each selection. Want toorder this book?
Burton Watson, trans., Basic Writings of Mo Tzu, Hsn Tzu and Han Fei Tzu (New York: Columbia
University Press, 1963, 1964). Translations of three important ancient philosophical texts bound together in
hardback. Cheaper than making students buy all three individually. An interesting aspect of Watson's
translations is that he seems to translate from Japanese translations of the works, rather than directly from the
Classical Chinese. Want to order this book? You may also enjoy reading this reflection on Burton Watsons
style of translation.
3. Confucianism [ToC]
A. Translations
i. Analects of Confucius
Edward Slingerland, trans., Confucius: Analects: With Selections from Traditional
Commentaries (Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing, 2003). In my opinion, this is the
best English translation of the Analects. Among its advantages is that it includes
commentary on each passage, which gives English readers an experience more
faithful to that of generations of Chinese readers. There are also several very useful
appendices. Want to order this book ? For those who prefer a different format,
Slingerland has also published The Essential Analects, a partial translation with the
commentary grouped at the end of the text.
E. Bruce and A. Taeko Brooks, The Original Analects: Sayings of Confucius and
17/12/2016 07:18 p.m.
3 de 19
His Successors (New York: Columbia University Press, 1998), 342 pp. This
translation includes extensive notes and commentary. The Brookses present their controversial theory of how
to sort the "books" and "chapters" of the Analects according to the historical order in which they were
composed. Want to order this book?
D.C. Lau, Confucius: The Analects (New York: Penguin Books, 1979), 249 pp. ISBN: 0140443487. Very
good translation with interpretive introduction and scholarly appendices on various topics. Want to order this
book?
James Legge, Confucian Analects, The Great Learning, and The Doctrine of the Mean (New York: Dover
Books, 1971; o.p. 1893), 503 pp. Translation of the Analects along with two other important Confucian texts.
A little dated, but still worth consulting. Includes Chinese text and, as Legge himself observes, "Critical and
Exegetical Notes, Prolegomena, Copious Indexes, and Dictionary of All Characters." Want to order this
book?
Simon Leyes, trans., and Michael Nylan, ed., The Analects (W.W. Norton and Company, 2014). Like other
works in the Norton Critical Editions series, this includes a translation of the primary text, along with
selected secondary essays. Want to order this book?
Arthur Waley, The Analects of Confucius (New York: Vintage Books, 1989; o.p. 1938), 257 pp. Very good
translation with interpretive introduction and scholarly appendices on various topics. (Different, in defensible
ways, from Lau's translation.) Want to order this book?
ii. Mencius (Mengzi)
Although he is less well-known in the West than Confucius, the fourth-century B.C. philosopher Mencius has
had an immense influence on Chinese (as well as Korean and Japanese) culture. Indeed, one could argue
that his influence on China alone is equivalent to the combined influence of Plato and St. Paul on Western
civilization. In addition, Mencius is more systematic and "philosophical" than Confucius.
D.C. Lau, Mencius (New York: Penguin Books, 1970). Very good translation with interpretive introduction
and scholarly appendices on various topics. See especially "On Mencius' Use of the Method of Analogy in
Argument," Appendix 5, pp. 235-263. Want to order this book?
James Legge, Mencius (New York: Dover Books, 1970; o.p. 1895). A little dated, but still worth consulting.
Includes Chinese text, indexes and critical notes. Want to order this book?
Bryan W. Van Norden et al., "Comments and Corrections to D.C. Lau's Mencius."
Bryan W. Van Norden, trans., The Essential Mengzi (Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing, 2007). Partial
translation with commentary on selected passages at the end of the volume. Want to order this book?
Bryan W. Van Norden, trans., Mengzi: With Selections from Traditional Commentaries (Indianapolis:
Hackett Publishing, 2005). A translation with interlineal commentary. Want to order this book?
See also Nivison, "On Translating Mencius", in his The Ways of Confucianism.
iii. Xunzi (Hsn-tzu)
Eric Hutton, trans., Xunzi: The Complete Text (Princeton: Princeton University
Press, 2014). This is the best Englishtranslation of the complete writings of Xunzi,
one of the most philosophically sophisticated ancient Confucian thinkers. The
17/12/2016 07:18 p.m.
4 de 19
translation is elegant, accessible, and accurate. In addition to being an important

work of high-level scholarship, Huttons translation will be invaluable for
non-specialists with an interest in Chinese thought, ranging from advanced
undergraduates and graduate students, to scholars in Chinese language and literature,
history, philosophy, religious studies, and other disciplines. Huttons work is more
comprehensive and more philosophically precise than Watsons translation, but much
more readable than Knoblocks version. Hutton makes some innovative editorial
choices in this translation, such as rendering the poetry Xunzi cites into rhyming
verse in English. Not everyone will agree with this decision, but I find that it makes the poetry much easier to
read and appreciate. I also concur with Huttons decision to add line numbers to chapters. Those of us who
encourage our students to use the technique of close reading will particularly appreciate this. Want to order
this book?
John Knoblock, trans., Xunzi, reprint(Hunan Publishing House, 1999), 2 vols. The Chinese and English
texts. Want to order this book?
John Knoblock, Xunzi: A Translation and Study of the Complete Works (Stanford: Stanford University
Press, 1988, 1990, 1994), 3 vols. A complete translation with extensive introductory material (which is better
on textual and narrowly historical matters than philosophy). Want to order volume 1 of this book?
Burton Watson, Hsn-tzu: Basic Writings (New York: Columbia University Press, 1963), 177 pp. Fairly
good translation of selected passages. Want to order this book?
iv. Other
Ian Johnston and Wang Ping, trans., Daxue and Zhongyong (Chinese University Press, 2012). Chinese text
and English translation of the original text of the Great Learning and the Mean, along with two sets of
commentaries. You can read a review of this book here. Want toorder this book?
B. Secondary Discussions of Confucianism [ToC]

i. Confucius
Herrlee G. Creel, Confucius and the Chinese Way, reprint (New York: Harper
Torchbooks, 1960; o.p. Confucius: The Man and the Myth, 1949). Perhaps the
best general study of Confucius in English, this is a thoughtful discussion of his
life, his era, and the contemporary relevance of his thought. Any book this old
(the original version was published in the 40's, I think) is a little out of date. And
Creel sometimes succumbs to the temptation to read Confucius as a protoDeweyan pragmatist-democrat. However, Creel was one of the great Sinologists
of the 20th century, and even when one disagrees with his conclusions, he notes
his sources and explains why he accepts or rejects them. In my opinion, Creel
provides many insights into the teachings of "the Master," and gives an engaging
(if speculative) portrait of his life. Want toorder this book used or order a reprint
of the original edition?
Ken Brashier uploaded and translated The Evil Life of Confucius, a Cultural Revolution era propaganda
poster.
Erin Cline, Confucius, Rawls, and the Sense of Justice (Fordham University Press, 2012). You can read a
review of this book here. Want toorder this book?
17/12/2016 07:18 p.m.
5 de 19
Herbert Fingarette, Confucius: The Secular as Sacred (New York: Harper & Row, 1972). Controversial, but
several chapters are very insightful. A good critique of some of Fingarette's less plausible claims may be
found in Schwartz. Want to order this book?
David Jones, ed., Confucius Now: Contemporary Encounters with the Analects (Chicago: Open Court,
2008). Want to order this book?
Michael Nylan and Thomas Wilson, The Lives of Confucius: Civilizations Greatest Sage through the Ages
(Crown Archetype, 2010). Want toorder this book?
Amy Olberding, ed., Dao Companion to the Analects (Springer, 2013). You can read a review of this book
here. Want to order this book?
The UNESCO World Heritage site about the Temple and Cemetery of Confucius in Qufu includes videos
and other useful information.
B.W. Van Norden, ed., Confucius and the Analects: New Essays (New York: Oxford University Press,
ii. Mencius (Mengzi)
Kwong-loi Shun, Mencius and Early Chinese Thought (Stanford: Stanford University
Press, 1997), 295 pp. ISBN: 0804727880. Everyone in the West has heard of
Confucius. But in East Asia, Mencius is known as the "second sage" of Confucianism,
and has been almost as influential. This book is a serious scholarly study of Mencius as
a philosopher. Shun (a professor in the Philosophy Department at U.C. Berkeley)
carefully argues for his interpretations of key terms and claims in the sayings of
Mencius, always considering the intellectual context in which Mencius thought and
lived. Shun has well-defended positions regarding Mencius's views on the key virtues
(benevolence, righteousness, wisdom and propriety), and the relationships among the
human heart-mind, human nature, and ethical cultivation. This is a real tour de force as
a work of scholarship. Want to order this book?
Alan K-L Chan, ed., Mencius: Contexts and Interpretations (University of Hawaii Press, 2002). You can
read a review of this book. Want to order this book?
Angus C. Graham, "The Background of the Mencian Theory of Human Nature," in his Studies in Chinese
Philosophy and Philosophical Literature (Albany: SUNY Press, 1990). Want to order this book?
Philip J. Ivanhoe, Ethics in the Confucian Tradition: The Thought of Mengzi and Wang Yangming
(Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing, 2002). How Mencius was (mis)understood by one leading Neo-Confucian.
A good introduction to the thought of both Mencius and Wang Yang-ming, with chapters contrasting their
views on "The Nature of Morality," "Human Nature," "The Origin of Evil," "Self-cultivation," and
"Sagehood."Want to order this book?
Xiusheng Liu and Philip J. Ivanhoe, eds., Essays on the Moral Philosophy of Mengzi (Indianapolis: Hackett
Publishing, 2002). Excellent collection of secondary essays! See especially the contributions by Hutton,
Ivanhoe, and Wang. Want to order this book ?
Lee H. Yearley, Mencius and Aquinas: Theories of Virtue and Conceptions of Courage (Albany: State
University of New York Press, 1990). Want to order this book?
17/12/2016 07:18 p.m.
6 de 19
Bryan W. Van Norden, "Mencius," in The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Winter 2014 Edition),
Edward N. Zalta (ed.), URL =http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/win2014/entries/mencius/ . Introduction to
Mencius (Mengzi) as a philosopher; includes an extensive bibliography.
iii. Hsun Tzu (Xunzi)
Paul Rakita Goldin, Rituals of the Way: The Philosophy of Xunzi (Chicago: Open Court, 1999). ISBN:
0-8126-9400-7. Intriguing secondary study on Xunzi, and also one of the best books on early Chinese
philosophy to come out in recent years. Want to order this book?
Thornton Kline and Justin Tiwald, eds., Ritual and Religion in the Xunzi (Albany: State University of New
York Press, 2014). Collection of essays on Xunzi, primarily from a religious studies perspective. Want to
order this book?
Thornton Kline and Philip J. Ivanhoe, eds., Virtue, Nature, and Moral Agency in the Xunzi (Indianapolis:
Hackett Publishing, 2000). Collection of essays on Xunzi, primarily from a philosophical perspective. Want to
order this book?
Edward J. Machle, Nature and Heaven in the Xunzi (Albany, NY: SUNY Press, 1993). A very detailed (and
very good) textual study of the "Essay on Heaven" by Xunzi (Hsun Tzu). Want to order this book?
Aaron Stalnaker, Overcoming Our Evil: Human Nature and Spiritual Exercises in Xunzi and Augustine
(Washington, DC: Georgetown University Press, 2006).
iv. Broader Studies of Confucianism
Philip J. Ivanhoe, Confucian Moral Self Cultivation, reprint (Indianapolis: Hackett
Publishing, 2000). I am aware of no otherwork in English that introduces such a broad
range of figures from the Confucian tradition with such depth and accuracy. This is one of
those rare works that provides an accessible introduction to the novice, yet challenges the
specialist scholar. As Ivanhoe observes, Confucius mentions both study (xue) and
reflection (si) as methods of self-cultivation. This introduces a tension within
Confucianism, never definitively resolved, between learning from texts and teachers vs.
reflecting upon one's own innate moral sense. Ivanhoe traces how this tension plays out in
a variety of later Confucian philosophers, including the seminal figures Mengzi, Xunzi,
Zhu Xi, Wang Yangming, and Dai Zhen. Want to order this book?
Daniel K. Gardner, Confucianism: A Very Short Introduction (New York: Oxford University Press, 2014).
Want to order this book?
D.C. Lau, "Theories of Human Nature in Mencius and Shyuntzyy," Bulletin of the School of Oriental and
African Studies 15:3 (1953), pp. 541-565. An excellent and often overlooked comparative study of Mencius
and Hsun Tzu.
Chenyang Li, ed., The Sage and the Second Sex: Confucianism, Ethics, and Gender (Open Court Press,
2000). Anthology of essays, mostly focusing on ancient Confucianism, but some discussion of Confucianism
in the Han and later dynasties. Want to order this book ?
Donald Munro, The Concept of Man in Early China (Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1969). A
theoretical overview, stressing the differences between early Chinese and Western thought. Focuses on
Confucians and Daoists. Want to order this book?
------, The Ways of Confucianism: Investigations in Chinese Philosophy, ed. Bryan W. Van Norden (La
17/12/2016 07:18 p.m.
7 de 19
Salle, IL: Open Court, 1996). Nivison's collected papers on Chinese philosophy, mostly on Confucianism and
Neo-Confucianism. Some essays are good for undergraduates or beginners (including "Weakness of Will in
Ancient Chinese Philosophy" and "The Philosophy of Wang Yangming") while others are fairly heavy going.
B.W. Van Norden, "Mengzi and Xunzi: Two Views of Human Agency," International Philosophical
Quarterly 32:2 (June 1992), pp. 161-184. Overview of the philosophies of Mencius (Mengzi) and Hsun Tzu
(Xunzi), focusing on their views of the role of desire in self-cultivation.
Lee H. Yearley, Mencius and Aquinas (Albany: SUNY Press, 1990). A brilliant comparative study. Want to
order this book?
4. Daoism (Taoism) [ToC]

A. Translations of Daoist Texts
i. Anthologies
Livia Kohn, The Taoist Experience: An Anthology (Albany, NY: SUNY Press, 1993). ISBN: 0791415805.
Readings from "Taoist" texts from a variety of periods and orientations. Want to order this book?
ii. Daodejing (Tao Te Ching)
The Dao De Jing is one of the two foundational texts of Daoism, and one of the most frequently translated
texts in the world, but unfortunately most of the translations are quite unreliable. For a discussion of the
problems with many translations, see
Paul Goldin, Those Who Don't Know Speak: Translations of the Daode jing by People Who Do Not Know
Chinese, Asian Philosophy, 12:3 (2002): 183-95.
Following are a few of the good translations. The standard text of the Dao de jing for many years was the
so-called "Wang Bi" text, so most translations are based on that version. However, an earlier (and slightly
different) version of the text was discovered in 1973 at a place called "Mawangdui," so some recent
translations are based on this version. Finally, yet another version was unearthed in 1993 in Guodian.
Wang Bi (Wang Pi) Version
Richard John Lynn, trans., The Classic of the Way and Virtue: A New Translation of the Tao-te Ching of
Laozi as Interpreted by Wang Bi (New York: Columbia University Press, 2004). Although it is a challenging
read, this is the best introduction to the Daodejing overall because it provides the classic commentary on the
text by Wang Bi. If you only read Lynns translation of Wang Bis Outline Introduction to the Laozi
section, you will learn a lot. Want to order this book?
Philip J. Ivanhoe, The Daodejing of Laozi (Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing, 2003). Want to order this
book?
D.C. Lau, trans., Tao Te Ching, reprint (Addison Wesley, 2000). Both readable and accurate, this translation
includes an interpretive introduction, scholarly appendices, and some textual notes. Want to order this book?
Mawangdui (Ma-wang-tui) Version
17/12/2016 07:18 p.m.
8 de 19
Robert G. Henricks, Lao-tzu: Te-Tao Ching (New York: Ballantine Books, 1989), 282 pp. Very good,
scholarly translation with many notes. (Perhaps a little too scholarly for undergraduates -- they may be scared
off.) Provides Chinese text of the Mawangdui manuscript only. (This is somewhat unfortunate, as the
Mawangdui manuscipts are incomplete and must be supplemented with the Wang Bi text to be readable.)
D.C. Lau, Lao-tzu: Tao Te Ching (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, Everyman's Library, 1994). Updated
translation based on the Mawangdui texts. Omits Lau's (interesting) original introduction, but retains the
appendices. The version of this translation published in Hong Kong (not legal for sale in the U.S. because of
copyright problems) includes both the old and the new translation, along with the Chinese text. Want to order
this book?
Victor Mair, Tao Te Ching: The Classic Book of Integrity and the Way (New York: Bantam Books, 1990).
Very good translation, although some of the notes and other supporting material is controversial. Want to
order this book?
Guodian Version
Robert Henricks, Lao Tzus Tao Te Ching: A Translation of the Startling New Documents Found at Guodian
(New York: Columbia University Press, 2005).
iii. Zhuangzi (Chuang-tzu)
Although less well-known in the West than the Dao De Jing , the eponymous Zhuangzi is a beautitul classic of
world literature and a truly great work of "anti-rationalist" philosophy. (I actually find it much more
beautiful and interesting than the Dao De Jing.) The complete Zhuangzi is a fairly long work, but scholars
now agree that most of it cannot be attributed to the philosopher Zhuangzi, a contemporary of Mencius (see
above) who lived around 300 B.C. However, the first seven sections of the text, the "Inner Chapters," are
believed by many (although not all) scholars to be by one hand.
Burton Watson, trans., Zhuangzi: Basic Writings, reprint (New York: Columbia University Press, 2003).
This is the most readable translation for the general reader of the Inner (first seven) Chapters, along with
several other sections. Trust me: you will love reading this! Want to order this book? You may also enjoy
reading this reflection on Burton Watsons style of translation.
A.C. Graham, trans., Chuang-tzu: The Inner Chapters, reprint (Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing, 2001; o.p.
1981), 292 pp. Very good translation of the Inner (first seven) Chapters, with some material from other
chapters too, although Graham is fond of re-arranging the text (believing it to be out of order). Introductory
discussion also very good. Want to order this book?
Victor Mair, Wandering on the Way: Early Taoist Tales and Parables of Chuang Tzu (Honolulu, HI:
University of Hawaii Press, 1998; o.p. New York: Bantam Books, 1994), 402 pp. ISBN: 082482038X. A very
good, new, complete translation of the Zhuangzi (Chuang Tzu).Somewhat less "literary" a translation than
Watson's. The introduction, which gives a brief survey of early Chinese philosophy, is not bad either. Want to
order this book?
------, The Complete Works of Chuang Tzu (New York: Columbia University Press, 1968), 397 pp. Very
good complete translation.
Brook Ziporyn, trans., Zhuangzi: Essential Writings: With Selections from Traditional Commentaries
(Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing, 2009). You can read a review of this book here. Want to order this book?
17/12/2016 07:18 p.m.
9 de 19
B. Secondary Discussions of Daoism [ToC]

Alan K.L. Chan, Laozi, The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Spring 2014 Edition), Edward N.
Zalta (ed.), URL = http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/spr2014/entries/laozi/ . Good introduction with
extensive bibliography.
Alan K.L. Chan, Two Visions of the Way: A Study of the Wang Pi and the Ho-shang Kung Commentaries on
the Lao-Tzu (SUNY Press, 1991). ISBN: 0-7914-0456-0. Want to order this book?
Scott Cook, ed., Hiding the World in the World: Uneven Discourses on the Zhuangzi(Albany: State
University of New York Press, 2003). Read a review of this book. Want to order this book?
Herrlee G. Creel, What Is Taoism? And Other Studies in Chinese Cultural History (Chicago: University of
Chicago Press, 1970). ISBN: 0-226-12047-3.
Mark Csikszentmihalyi and Philip J. Ivanhoe, eds., Religious and Philosophical Aspects of the Laozi
(Albany: State University of New York Press, 1999). Excellent anthology focusing on philosophical issues.
Catherine Despeux and Livia Kohn, Women in Daoism (Cambridge, MA: Three Pines, 2003). Want to order
this book?
Paul Kjellberg and Philip J. Ivanhoe, eds., Essays on Skepticism, Relativism, and Ethics in the Zhuangzi
(Albany, NY: SUNY Press, 1996), 240 pp. Excellent collection of articles, plus a comprehensive bibliography.
Livia Kohn, ed., New Visions of the Zhuangzi(Three Pines Press, 2015).
Livia Kohn, Sitting in Oblivion: The Heart of Daoist Meditation (Three Pines Press, 2010). Want to order
this book?
Livia Kohn and Michael LaFargue, eds., Lao-tzu and the Tao-te-ching (Albany: SUNY Press, 1998). A good
collection focusing more on historical and textual issues. Want to order this book?
Victor Mair, ed., Experimental Essays on Chuang-tzu (Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1983), 171 pp.
See especially the articles by A.C. Graham, Victor Mair, and Lee Yearley.
5. Mohism [ToC]
A.C. Graham, Later Mohist Logic, Ethics, and Science, reprint (London: School of Oriental and African
Studies, 2003), 590 pp. Scholary and technical, but a landmark study of the Mohist "dialectical chapters." to
order this book?
Ian Johnston, trans., The Book of Master Mo (New York: Penguin Books, 2014). Want to order this book?
Scott Lowe, Mo Tzu's Religious Blueprint for a Chinese Utopia (Lewiston, UK: Edwin Mellen Press, 1992),
200 pp. A good summary of the core chapters of the Mozi.
Yi-pao Mei, The Ethical and Political Works of Motse (Westport, Conn.: Hyperion Press, 1973; o.p. 1929)
275 pp. Translation of a number of passages, including many not included in Watson (see below).
17/12/2016 07:18 p.m.
10 de 19
Burton Watson, Mo Tzu: Basic Writings (New York: Columbia University Press, 1963), 140 pp. Translations
of selections from the "synoptic chapters." Want to order this book?
6. The I Ching (The Changes) [ToC]

Cary F. Baynes and Hellmut Wilhelm, trans., The I Ching (Princeton University Press, 1992). ISBN:
069109750X. One of the best translations based on the traditional version of the text. This translation
includes an interesting Foreward by psychoanalyst Carl Jung. Want to order this book?
James Legge, trans., The I Ching, 2nd ed. (New York: Dover Books, 1975). ISBN: 0486210626. One of the
best translations based on the traditional version of the text. (Legge's translation is available in several
editions from several publishers; however, Dover Books are reasonably priced and well bound.) Want to
order this book?
Richard John Lynn, trans., The Classic of Changes: A New Translation of the I Ching as Interpreted by
Wang Bi (New York: Columbia University Press, 2004). Want to order this book?
John Minford, trans., I Ching: The Essential Translation of the Ancient Chinese Oracle and Book of
Wisdom (New York: Penguin Books, 2014). Want to order this book?
Edward Shaughnessy, trans., The I Ching (Ballantine Books, 1998). ISBN: 0345421124. This translation is
based on earlier versions of the text of the I Ching, which have only recently been recovered from
archaeological sites. Want to order this book?
Kidder Smith, Peter Bol, Joseph Adler, and Don Wyatt, Sung Dynasty Uses of the I Ching (Princeton
University Press, 1990). ISBN: 0691055904. This is the best secondary discussion I have seen on the I Ching:
clear and scholarly. Although it focusses on Song Dynasty (A.D. 960-1279) uses of this text, there is also a
chapter on "The I Ching Prior to the Sung." Want to order this book?
7. Han Dynasty [ToC]

Mark Csikszentmihalyi, ed., Readings in Han Chinese Thought (Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing, 2006).
Excellent anthology of readings from a variety of Han Dynasty texts and authors. Want to order this book?
John Knoblock and Jeffrey Riegel, trans., The Annals of L Buwei (Stanford: Stanford University Press,
John S. Major, Sarah Queen, et al, trans., The Huainanzi: A Guide to the Theory and Practice of
Government in Early Han China (New York: Columbia University Press, 2010). Want to order this book?
Sarah Ann Queen and John S. Major, trans., Luxuriant Gems of the Spring and Autumn (Columbia
University Press, 2015). Want to order this book?
Wang Chong, Lun-heng [Balanced Discourses], Alfred Forke, trans., reprint (BiblioBazaar, 2009). Want to
order this book?
Yang Hsiung, The Canon of Supreme Mystery, Michael Nylan, trans. (Albany, NY: SUNY Press, 1993).
17/12/2016 07:18 p.m.
11 de 19
Yang Xiong, Exemplary Figures: Fa Yan, Michael Nylan, trans. (University of Washington Press, 2013).
Yang Xiong, Philosophy of the Fa Yan, Jeffrey Bullock, trans.(Mountain Mind Press, 2011). Want to order
this book?
8. Thematic Studies [ToC]

Works in this category typically follow some special topic through two or more early Chinese thinkers.
Lee H. Yearley, Mencius and Aquinas (Albany: SUNY Press, 1990). This is a brilliant comparative study.
Yearleys strength is that he avoids simplistic comparisons. His motto is similarities in differences and
differences in similarities, meaning that superficial similarities often mask deeper differences, while
superficial differences sometimes mask deeper similarities. Yearley uses this approach to explore Mencius
(Mengzi) arguably the second-most influential Confucian philosopher, and Thomas Aquinas, the brilliant
synthesizer of Aristotelianism and Christianity. This is a wide-ranging study, discussing comparative
methodology, practical rationality, the nature of virtue, and how to distinguish courage as a genuine virtue
from its semblances and counterfeits. Want to order this book?
Stephen C. Angle, Contemporary Confucian Political Philosophy (Polity, 2012). Want to order this book ?
Angus C. Graham, Studies in Chinese Philosophy and Philosophical Literature (Albany: SUNY Press,
1990). ISBN: 0791404501. An excellent collection of essays on many topics, including the notion of "human
nature" in both early Chinese thought and in Neo-Confucianism, and the "White Horse Paradox." (Not a book
for beginners, though.) Want to order this book?
Christoph Harbsmeier, "Marginalia Sino-logica," in Robert Allinson, ed., Understanding the Chinese Mind
(New York: Oxford University Press, 1989), pp. 125-166. Discussion of "truth" and related concepts in early
Chinese thought.
------, "The Mass Noun Hypothesis and the Part-Whole Analysis of the White Horse Dialogue," in Henry
Rosemont, ed., Chinese Texts and Philosophical Contexts (La Salle, IL: Open Court Press, 1991), pp. 49-66.
A discussion of nouns in Classical Chinese.
John B. Henderson, Scripture, Canon, and Commentary: A Comparison of Confucian and Western
Exegesis (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1991), 247 pp. This is a brilliant and often-overlooked study,
showing how different commentarial traditions often make similar assumptions and use similar interpretive
strategies.
Lisa A. Raphals, Sharing the Light : Representations of Women and Virtue in Early China (Albany, NY:
SUNY Press, 1998), 348 pp. ISBN: 0791438562. I have not had a chance to read this book yet, but, based on
Raphals' earlier work, I expect that it will contain much interesting detail. Want to order this book?
May Sim, Remastering Morals with Confucius and Aristotle (Cambridge University Press, 2007). You can
read a review of this book here. Want to order this book?
Edward Slingerland, Effortless Action: Wu-wei as Conceptual Metaphor and Spiritual Ideal in Early China
(New York: Oxford University Press, 2003).
Bryan W. Van Norden, Virtue Ethics and Consequentialism in Early Chinese Philosophy (Cambridge
University Press, 2007). Want to order this book?
17/12/2016 07:18 p.m.
12 de 19
Robin Wang, ed., Images of Women in Chinese Thought and Culture (Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing,
David Wong, "Universalism vs. Love with Distinctions: An Ancient Debate Revived," Journal of Chinese
Philosophy, 16:3/4 (September/December 1989), pp. 251-272. Stimulating discussion of Confucians and
Mohists on whether we should care for all humans equally.
Jiyuan Yu, The Ethics of Confucius and Aristotle: Mirrors of Virtue (Routledge, 2007). Want to order this
book?
9. Buddhism [ToC]
A. Indian Background
Mark Siderits, Buddhism as Philosophy: An Introduction (Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing, 2007). This is
the best introduction to the Indian schools of Buddhism as philosophy. It discusses Theravadan Buddhism, as
well as the various schools of Mahayana, including Yogacara and Madhyamaka. Want to order this book?
Steven Collins, Selfless Persons: Imagery and Thought in Theravda Buddhism (New York: Cambridge
University Press, 1982).
T.W. Rhys Davids, trans., The Questions of King Milinda, reprint (Forgotten Books, 2007). A complete
translation of a work also known as The Questions of King Menander. Want to order this book?
Christopher W. Gowans, Philosophy of the Buddha: An Introduction. London: Routledge, 2003.
N.K.G. Mendis, ed., The Questions of King Milinda, I.B. Horner, trans. (Vipassana Research Publications,
1993). This is an abridged version of a Theravadan Buddhist work (also known as The Questions of King
Menander) that is very interesting philosophically for its discussion of issues such as "no-self." Want to order
this book?
Nagarjuna, The Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way, trans. with commentary by Jay L. Garfield (New
York: Oxford University Press, 1995). Nagarjuna is one of the most influential and profound Buddhist
philosophers. (Nagarjuna's philosophy influenced the development of Hua-yen and Ch'an in China.) This
translation of his major work includes a very clear commentary by a Western-trained philosopher. Want to
order this book?
Paul, Diana Y., Women in Buddhism: Images of the Feminine in the Mahayana Tradition (University of
California Press, 1985). Want to order this book?
Mark Sideritis and Shoryu Katsura, trans., Nagarjunas Middle Way: Mulamadhyamakakarika (Boston:
Wisdom Publications, 2013). Want toorder this book?
Walpola Rahula, What the Buddha Taught (New York: Grove Press, 1979), 151 pp. This is about Theravada
as opposed to Mahayana Buddhism (the latter being what is most influential in China), but it is one of the
clearest and most philosophically accurate introductions to Buddhism of which I am aware. Want to order this
book?
B. Chinese Buddhist Texts

17/12/2016 07:18 p.m.
13 de 19
Stephen Addiss et al., eds., Zen Sourcebook (Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing, 2008). Want to order this
book?
Thomas Cleary, Entry into the Inconceivable: An Introduction to Hua-yen Buddhism (Honolulu: University
of Hawaii Press, 1983). Want toorder this book?
Thomas Cleary, trans., The Flower Ornament Scripture (Shambhala, 1993). Want to order this book?
Francis H. Cook, trans., Three Texts on Consciousness Only (Berkeley, CA: Numata Center, 1999). Want to
order this book?
Peter Gregory, trans., Inquiry into the Origin of Humanity (Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1995).
Red Pine, trans. The Platform Sutra: The Zen Teaching of Huineng (Counterpoint, 2008). Want to order
this book?
Burton Watson, trans., The Lotus Sutra (Columbia University Press, 1993). Want to order this book?
Burton Watson, trans., The Vimalakirti Sutra (Columbia University Press, 2000). Although originally an
Indian Buddhist text, this work had an immense influence on Chinese Buddhism. Want to order this book?
Watson, Burton, trans., The Zen Teachings of Master Lin Chi (New York: Columbia University Press, 1999).
William S. Waldron, The Buddhist Unconscious: The Layavijna in the Context of Indian Buddhist
Thought (New York: Routledge, 2003). Want to order this book?
Philip B. Yampolsky, The Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch (New York: Columbia University Press,
1967), 212+ pp. Annotated translation of one of the fundamental texts of Chan (Zen) Buddhism. Includes the
Chinese text.
C. Secondary Discussions of Chinese Buddhism

Thich Nhat Hanh, The Heart of Understanding: Commentaries on the Prajnaparamita Heart Sutra, rev.
ed. (Parallax Press, 2009). This is a very readable introduction to the metaphysics of Hua-yen and Chan (Zen)
Buddhism by a Vietnamese monk and peace activist. Want to order this book?
Jinhua Chen, Philosopher, practitioner, politician: The many lives of Fazang (643-712) (Leiden: Brill,
Jason Clower, The Unlikely Buddhologist: Tiantai Buddhism in Mou Zongsans New Confucianism (Leiden:
Brill, 2010).
Francis H. Cook, Hua-yen Buddhism: The Jewel Net of Indra (University Park, Penna.: Pennsylvania State
University Press, 1977), 146 pp. A fairly good and often overlooked discussion of one of the most important
Chinese Buddhist schools. Want to order this book?
Heinrich Dumoulin, Zen Buddhism: A History, vol. 1, India and China (New York: Macmillan Publishing
Co., 1994), 387 pp. The standard history of the subject.
Charles Goodman, Consequences of Compassion: An Interpretation and Defense of Buddhist Ethics (New
York: Oxford University Press, 2009). An interpretation of Buddhist ethics as a form of consequentialism.
17/12/2016 07:18 p.m.
14 de 19
Charles Goodman, Ethics in Indian and Tibetan Buddhism, The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
(Fall 2014 Edition), Edward N.Zalta (ed.), URL = http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/fall2014/entries/ethicsindian-buddhism/ . Includes a bibliography.
Imre Hamar, ed., Reflecting Mirrors: Perspectives on Huayan Buddhism (Wiesbaden, Germany:
Harrassowitz, 2007). Anthology of essays with sections on State of the Field, The Buddhavatamsakasutra, Huayan in China, Hwaom/Kegon in Korea and Japan, and Huayan/Hwaom/Kegon Art.
Peter Harvey, An Introduction to Buddhist Ethics: Foundations, Values and Issues (New York: Cambridge
University Press, 2000).
Steven Heine, A Critical Survey of Works Since Yampolsky, Philosophy East and West 57.4 (2007):
577592. Bibliography of works on Chan (Zen).
Eugen Herrigel, Zen in the Art of Archery, reprint(Vintage Books, 1999). First-person account of a
Westerner who learned about Zen through studying archery. Although technically about Japanese Zen, it is
also relevant to understanding Chinese Chan. Want to order this book?
Tao Jiang, Contexts and Dialogue: Yogacara Buddhism and Modern Psychology on the Subliminal Mind
(University of Hawaii Press, 2006). Want to order this book?
Damien Keown, Buddhist Ethics: A Very Short Introduction (New York: Oxford University Press, 2005).
Sallie B. King, Buddha Nature (Albany: State University of New York Press, 1991). Want to order this
book?
Yu Kwan Ng, Tien Tai Buddhism and Early Mdhyamika, reprint (Sri Satguru Publications, 1995). Want
to order this book?
Diana Y. Paul, Philosophy of Mind in Sixth-Century China: Paramrthas Evolution of Consciousness
(Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1984). Want to order this book?
Paul L. Swanson, Foundations of Tien Tai Philosophy: The Flowering of the Two Truths Theory in
Chinese Buddhism (Berkeley: Asian Humanities Press, 1989). Includes 157 pp. of discussion followed by a
100-page translation of Zhiyis Fahua xuanyi. Want to order this book?
Stephen S. Teiser and Jacqueline Stone, eds., Readings of the Lotus Sutra (Columbia University Press,
Morton Schlter and Stephen S. Teiser, eds., Readings of the Platform Sutra (Columbia University Press,
Dirck Vorenkamp, trans., An English Translation of Fa Tsangs Commentary on The Awakening of Faith
(Lewiston, NY: Edwin Mellen, 2004).
Paul Williams, Mahyna Buddhism: The Doctrinal Foundations (New York: Routledge, 1989). Want to
order this book?
10. Neo-Confucianism [ToC]
17/12/2016 07:18 p.m.
15 de 19
Han Y
Charles Hartman, Han Y and the T'ang Search for Unity (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1986).
Li Ao
T. H. Barrett, Li Ao: Buddhist, Taoist, or Neo-Confucian? (New York: Oxford University Press, 1992).
Shao Yong
Don J. Wyatt, The Recluse of Loyang: Shao Yung and the Moral Evolution of Early Sung Thought
(Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1996), 340 pp.
Chang Zai (Chang Tsai)
Ira E. Kasoff, The Thought of Chang Tsai (New York: Cambridge University Press, 1984).
The Cheng Brothers
The philosophers who, in the opinion of many scholars, established the mature metaphysics of
Neo-Confucianism. Subtle differences between the two brothers, of which they seem to have been unaware,
led to the major schism between the "Cheng-Zhu" and "Lu-Wang" schools of Neo-Confucianism.
Angus C. Graham, "What Was New in the Ch'eng-Chu Theory of Human Nature?" in Graham, Studies in
Chinese Philosophy and Philosophical Literature (see above), pp. 412-435. An excellent discussion of the
ethical implications of the mature, Neo-Confucian view of human nature.
Angus C. Graham, Two Chinese Philosophers (La Salle, Il.: Open Court Press, 1992; o.p. 1958), 201 pp.
Excellent introduction. Want to order this book?
Zhu Xi (Chu Hsi)
This philosopher has been compared to Thomas Aquinas because of his masterful intellectual synthesis,
which became orthodoxy in China and Korea.
Wing-tsit Chan, ed., Chu Hsi and Neo-Confucianism (Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1986), 644 pp.
Collection of essays by various scholars; some excellent, some abysmal.
Daniel K. Gardner, Chu Hsi: Learning to Be a Sage (Berkeley: University of California Press, 1990), 218
pp. ISBN: 0-520-06525-5 Excellenttranslation of selections from the writings of Zhu Xi (Chu Hsi) along with
very good interpretive notes. Want to order this book?
Daniel K. Gardner, The Four Books: The Basic Teachings of the Later Confucian Tradition (Indianapolis:
Hackett Publishing, 2007). You canread a review of this book here. Want to order this book?
Yung Sik Kim, The Natural Philosophy of Chu Hsi, 1130-1200 (Philadelphia: Memoirs of the American
Philosophic Society, 2000). An excellent and often overlooked study!
Donald J. Murno, Images of Human Nature: A Sung Portrait (Princeton University Press, 1988), 322 pp.
ISBN: 0691073309. Traces and attempts to explicate the use of key Neo-Confucian images. Want to order
this book?
Wang Yangming
17/12/2016 07:18 p.m.
16 de 19
Deeply influential Neo-Confucian critic of the orthodox school of Cheng Yi and Zhu Xi.
Philip J. Ivanhoe, Ethics in the Confucian Tradition.
Philip J. Ivanhoe, trans., Readings from the Lu-Wang School of Neo-Confucianism (Hackett Publishing,
2009). Selections of translations from the Platform Sutra of Huineng (a foundational text of Chan/Zen
Buddhism), Lu Xiangshan and Wang Yangming (two Confucian critics of Zhu Xi). Includes helpful
introductions to the material and notes. Want to order this book?
Philip J. Ivanhoe, "Wang Yangming," in Ivanhoe, Confucian Moral Self Cultivation.
Bryan W. Van Norden, "Wang Yangming," in The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2014 Edition),
Edward N. Zalta (ed.), URL = http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/fall2014/entries/wang-yangming/ .
Chang Hsueh-ch'eng (Zhang Xuecheng)
An 18th-century historian and philosopher of history who has been compared to Hegel and Vico.
Philip J. Ivanhoe, trans., On Ethics and History: Essays and Letters of Zhang Xuecheng (Stanford
University Press, ). Want to order this book?
David S. Nivison, The Life and Thought of Chang Hsueh-ch'eng (Stanford: Stanford University Press,
1966), 336 pp. An acclaimed intellectual biography. Want to order this book?
David S. Nivison, "The Philosophy of Zhang Xuecheng," in Nivison, The Ways of Confucianism, pp.
249-260.
Dai Zhen (Tai Chen)
Brilliant critic of the entire Neo-Confucian tradition, who demonstrated that Neo- Confucians see their
traditions through Buddhist lenses.
Philip J. Ivanhoe, "Dai Zhen," in Ivanhoe, Confucian Moral Self Cultivation.
David S. Nivison, "Two Kinds of Naturalism: Dai Zhen and Zhang Xuecheng," in Nivison, The Ways of
Confucianism, pp. 261-282.
11. Online Resources [ToC]

A. Classic Chinese Texts Online
The Chinese Text Project is one of the best online resources for classic Chinese texts.
The Hong Kong Society of Fellows Philosophical Classics (set your browser to read Big-5 encoding):
o Pre-Qin Philosophical Classics
o Han Dynasty Philosophical Classics
o Wei-Jin Period Philosophical Classics
o Sui-Tang Period Philosophical Classics
17/12/2016 07:18 p.m.
17 de 19
o Song-Ming Period Philosophical Classics

o Qing to Early 20th Century Philosophical Classics
The Wesleyan Chinese Etext Project is one of several online sites with Chinese texts.
The Ancient Literary Classics (gushiwen.org) in simplified Chinese:
o Pre-Qin Classics.
o Han Dynasty Classics.
o Wei-Jin Period Classics.
o Northern and Southern Dynasties Period Philosophical Classics.
o Sui Dynasty Classics
o Tang Dynasty Classics
o Song Dynasty Classics.
Buddhist Tripitika at the Chinese Buddhist E-Text Archive.
B. Translations of Important Texts
The Chinese Text Project usually includes a public-domain translation along with the classical Chinese texts.
Mou Zongsan, Nineteen Lectures, Julie Lee Wei, trans.
Mou Zongsan et al., Manifesto on Behalf of Chinese Culture (the New Confucian Manifesto), partial
translation by Eirik Harris
Liu Shaoqis How to Be a Good Communist (The Ethical Cultivation of Communist Party Members) at the
Marxists Internet Archive.
Mao Zedongs Writings at the Marxists Internet Archive:
o On Contradiction
o On Practice
o On the Correct Handling of Contradictions among the People
o Quotations from Chairman Mao Zedong (Maos Little Red Book)
C. Miscellaneous Resources
Biography Channel Video Biography of Confucius.
Justin Tiwalds online resources:
o Brief Talk on Comparative Philosophy
o A Brief History of Buddhism (click the sound link on the left)
17/12/2016 07:18 p.m.
18 de 19
o Prof. Tiwalds Webpage

Chinese Language Learning Resources:
o Chinesepod.com has language lessons for learners of all levels.
o I recommend the Pleco Chinese Dictionary for smartphone users.
o Zhongwen.com is an analytical dictionary of Chinese. (Keep in mind, though, that it is not an historically
accurate, philological reconstruction.)
o Sensible Chinese has a list of Chinese language study scholarships.
Benjamin A. Elman has created an excellent set of resources on Classical Historiography for Chinese
History.
New York Times articles on the contemporary relevance of Chinese philosophy:
o Chris Buckley on President Xi Jinping and Han Feizi: Leader Taps into Chinese Classics in Seeking to
Cement Power (2014)
o Chris Buckley, Xi Touts Communist Party as Defender of Confuciuss Virtues (2014)
o Chris Buckley, Xi Pays Homage to Confucius, a Figure Back in Favor (2013)
o Andrew Jacobs, Confucius Statue Vanishes near Tiananmen Square (2011)
o Jiang Qing and Daniel A. Bell, A Confucian Constitution in China (2012)
o Austin Ramzy, Kung Tsui-chang on Life as the Heir to Confucius (2014)
o Ying Zhu, The Confucian Tradition and Chinese Television Today
Other articles on the contemporary relevance of Chinese philosophy:
o Same Crane, What Confucius Teaches Us about Modern American Justice (2013)
o Jonathan DeHart, Confucian Crackdown: New Chinese Law Enforces Filial Piety (2013)
o Christine Gross-Loh, Why Are Hundreds of Harvard University Students Studying Ancient Chinese
Philosophy? (2013)
o Ryan Mitchell, Is Chinas Machiavelli Now Its Most Important Political Philosopher? (2015)
o Paul Pryce on The Influence of Han Feizi on Chinas Defense Policy (2015)
o Bryan Van Norden, Confucius on Gay Marriage. (2015)
Bryan W. Van Norden Online Resources:
o Sample Syllabus for a 13-week Course on Classical Chinese Philosophy.
o Sample Syllabus for a 13-week Course on Later Chinese Philosophy.
o Guide to Reading Three Kingdoms (Romance of the Three Kingdoms).
17/12/2016 07:18 p.m.
19 de 19
o Guide to Reading Story of the Stone (Dream of the Red Chamber).

o Guide to Viewing The Last Emperor.
o Classical Chinese for Everyone (unpublished textbook).
17/12/2016 07:18 p.m.

Essential Readings On Chinese Philosophy

Încărcat de

Informații document

Titlu original

Drepturi de autor

Formate disponibile

Partajați acest document

Partajați sau inserați document

Opțiuni de partajare

Vi se pare util acest document?

Este necorespunzător acest conținut?

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

Essential Readings On Chinese Philosophy

Încărcat de

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

Essential Readings on Chinese Philosophy