Taking Back Philosophy

by Bryan W. Van Norden
Taking Back Philosophy cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Philosophy
Technical
  • ID: 3854
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9780231545457
  • Publisher: Columbia University Press
  • Published: 2017-12-05
  • Reviews: 3

Taking Back Philosophy by Bryan W. Van Norden is a biting critique of American higher education's refusal to teach non-Western philosophical traditions. Van Norden argues that philosophy departments' insistence on a Western-centric canon is outdated and harmful in an increasingly multicultural world. He advocates for an inclusive, multicultural approach to philosophical education, showcasing examples of productive dialogue between Western and Asian thinkers. This book is not just a critique but also an accessible introduction to Confucian and Buddhist philosophy, a defense of liberal arts education, and a call to return to the search for the good life that defined philosophy for ancient thinkers. Van Norden's work challenges students and scholars to reconsider what constitutes the love of wisdom and to embrace a more diverse and pluralistic approach to philosophy.

Reviews
Los Angeles Review of Books · 2018-08-20
insightful 4.00

The book is a call to action for philosophers to broaden their perspectives and incorporate more diverse voices into their curricula. It challenges the traditional Eurocentric focus of philosophy departments.

This book is a powerful manifesto that urges philosophers to expand their intellectual horizons beyond the traditional Western canon. The author argues compellingly that philosophy departments in the U.S. need to reflect the multicultural world we live in. They highlight the urgency of this shift, suggesting that it's not just about inclusivity but about enriching the field of philosophy itself. The book is a wake-up call for academia to embrace a more global and diverse approach to philosophical thought.

Quick quotes

    Van Norden calls on philosophers to expand their intellectual horizons.

    The book challenges the traditional Eurocentric focus of philosophy departments.

    It's a call to action for a more inclusive and diverse philosophy curriculum.

Expositions: Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities · D Seltzer · 2018-02-01
urgent 4.25

The book is a popularly-written but seriously-intended work that calls for a shake-up of Anglo-European Philosophy departments. It is seen as a long-overdue call for change.

D Seltzer's review praises the book for its accessible yet serious approach to a critical issue in philosophy. They see it as a long-overdue call for change, particularly in Anglo-European Philosophy departments. Seltzer appreciates the book's ability to make a complex issue understandable to a broader audience while still maintaining its academic rigor. The review suggests that the book will be instrumental in driving reform in the field.

Quick quotes

    Taking Back Philosophy is a popularly-written but seriously-intended book.

    This is a long overdue book calling for a shake-up of Anglo-European Philosophy departments.

    The book challenges the traditional Eurocentric focus of philosophy departments.

ResearchGate · Jessica Logue · 2018-01-01
provocative 4.50

The book provokes an urgent discussion on the necessity of diversifying the philosophy curriculum in American academia. It is a biting and provocative critique of the current state of higher education.

Jessica Logue's review highlights how this book sparks a necessary conversation about the lack of diversity in philosophy curricula. They appreciate the book's bold approach and its call for a more inclusive academic environment. The critique is seen as both biting and provocative, challenging the status quo in a way that is both timely and necessary. Logue finds the arguments compelling and believes the book will have a significant impact on the field.

Quick quotes

    Bryan W. Van Norden's 'Taking Back Philosophy' provokes an urgent discussion on the necessity of diversifying the philosophy curriculum in American academia.

    This biting and provocative critique of American higher education says yes.

    The book challenges the traditional Eurocentric focus of philosophy departments.

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