معرفی
Peimin Ni is a Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Grand Valley State University, part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Connecticut and advanced degrees from Fudan University, and is a leading figure in Chinese and comparative philosophy. His work centers on Confucianism and the innovative 'gongfu philosophy'—a framework emphasizing philosophy as an art of life.
- Ph.D., University of Connecticut
- M.A., Fudan University
- B.A., Fudan University
Professor Ni's research integrates Eastern and Western philosophical traditions, focusing on ethics, epistemology, and the lived practice of philosophy. His gongfu approach reinterprets Confucian thought as a dynamic, experiential discipline, contrasting with Western intellectualism. He has extended this method to critique and enrich Western philosophy, proposing new fields such as gongfu ethics and gongfu epistemology. His work bridges academic philosophy with cultural practice and artistic expression.
His publications, including Understanding the Analects of Confucius and Confucius: The Man and the Way of Gongfu, reflect a deep engagement with classical texts through translation, annotation, and philosophical reinterpretation. His articles and books explore themes of moral cultivation, self-transformation, and cross-cultural understanding, often blending scholarly rigor with creative form—evident in his co-authored work combining calligraphy and philosophical reflection.
His scientific honors include the 2020 MLA Scaglione Prize for translation, Best Essay Award from Dao, Outstanding Teaching Award, and multiple honorary professorships in China. He has also won artistic recognition for his Chinese calligraphy, including an award from the Grand Rapids Art Festival.
Professor Ni has played a foundational role in academic organizations, serving as founder and president of the Association of Chinese Philosophers in America (ACPA) and the Society of Asian and Comparative Philosophy (SACP). He has directed GVSU’s Summer School in China program and held visiting positions at the University of Hawaii, University of Hong Kong, Peking University, and Beijing Normal University. He has advised numerous graduate students and secured grants supporting cross-cultural philosophical dialogue and educational initiatives.
He is also the founder and director of GVSU's faculty-led study abroad program in China and integrates artistic practice into his philosophical work through Chinese calligraphy. His interdisciplinary lab includes collaborations in philosophy, art, and cultural studies, with public exhibitions and media productions enhancing outreach. Future work continues to expand the gongfu framework into new domains of ethical and epistemological inquiry.
