#27 Peter Adamson | Intercultural History of Philosophy
In this episode, we speak with philosopher and renowned podcaster Peter Adamson, professor at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and King’s College London, and creator of the widely acclaimed History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps, which has reached over 50 million downloads. Peter reflects on his ambitious project to rethink the history of philosophy beyond canonical narratives, integrating overlooked traditions, women philosophers, and global perspectives. Together, we explore how different philosophical traditions—European, Indian, and Chinese—offer both shared insights and striking differences in understanding knowledge, ethics, and the art of living. The conversation also addresses the limits of the philosophical canon, the role of Bildung and moral formation, and how philosophy can cultivate practical wisdom and ethical reflection in professional life.
00:01:11 – Meaning and ambition of “history of philosophy without any gaps”
00:03:46 – How the project has changed Adamson’s own understanding of philosophy
00:06:32 – Cross-cultural views on human self-understanding and the art of living
00:10:39 – Inclusion of women philosophers and gender gaps in the history of philosophy
00:13:18 – Whether women philosophers contribute distinct themes or perspectives
00:16:15 – Alternative epistemologies across cultures and challenges to the Western canon
00:21:35 – Rethinking and expanding philosophy curricula beyond the canon
00:26:14 – Philosophy and Bildung: shaping the self through philosophical traditions
00:28:49 – Cultivating practical wisdom / ResponsAbility across traditions
00:34:04 – Relevance of world philosophies for professional practice and applied fields
00:37:09 – Impact and applicability of the podcast on listeners and their lives
Literature:
00:01:11 – Meaning and ambition of “history of philosophy without any gaps”
00:03:46 – How the project has changed Adamson’s own understanding of philosophy
00:06:32 – Cross-cultural views on human self-understanding and the art of living
00:10:39 – Inclusion of women philosophers and gender gaps in the history of philosophy
00:13:18 – Whether women philosophers contribute distinct themes or perspectives
00:16:15 – Alternative epistemologies across cultures and challenges to the Western canon
00:21:35 – Rethinking and expanding philosophy curricula beyond the canon
00:26:14 – Philosophy and Bildung: shaping the self through philosophical traditions
00:28:49 – Cultivating practical wisdom / ResponsAbility across traditions
00:34:04 – Relevance of world philosophies for professional practice and applied fields
00:37:09 – Impact and applicability of the podcast on listeners and their lives
Literature:
- A History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps: Africana Philosophy From Ancient Egypt to the Nineteenth Century (Book 7), Adamson, P., 2025, Chike Jeffers, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- A History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps: Byzantine and Renaissance Philosophy (Book 6), Adamson, P., 2022, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- A History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps: Medieval Philosophy (Book 4), Adamson, P., 2019, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- A History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps: Classical Indian Philosophy (Book 5), Adamson, P. & Ganeri, J., 2020, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- A History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps: Philosophy in the Islamic World (Book 3), Adamson, P. S., 7 Jul 2016, Oxford University Press.
- A History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps: Philosophy in the Hellenistic and Roman Worlds (Book 2), Adamson, P. S., 2015, Oxford University Press.
- A History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps: Classical Philosophy (Book 1), Adamson, P. S., 2014, Oxford University Press.
