معرفی
Ronnie Littlejohn is Professor of Philosophy and Director of Asian Studies at Belmont University, within the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. from Baylor University with a specialization in Comparative Philosophy, Chinese thought, Ethics, and Early Modern Thought. His academic work bridges Eastern and Western philosophical traditions, with a particular focus on Daoism, Confucianism, and moral philosophy.
- Education: Ph.D., Baylor University
- Post-doctoral Studies: University of Chicago, University of Hawaii, University of Arizona, Harvard University, Notre Dame, Pennsylvania State University
Dr. Littlejohn’s research interests include comparative philosophy, Chinese philosophy, ethics, and the philosophy of language. He has conducted extensive field research on Zhengyi Daoist lineages in China and has been deeply involved in promoting Asian studies in the U.S. through leadership roles in ASIANetwork and the National Consortium for Teaching about Asia. His scholarship emphasizes the relevance of classical Chinese thought to contemporary ethical and philosophical debates.
His recent publications span topics such as Daoist sacred sites, moral education, philosophical dialogue in Chinese thought, and the reinterpretation of classical texts like the Daodejing and Zhuangzi. The articles reflect a strong thematic engagement with Daoism, Confucian ethics, comparative hermeneutics, and the application of wu-wei to Western moral philosophy. His work consistently bridges historical analysis with contemporary philosophical inquiry.
Scientific Awards and Honors:
- Tennessee Professor of the Year, 2015
- Virginia M. Chaney Distinguished Professor Award, 2013
- Distinguished Service Award, ASIANetwork, 2021
- International Talent Cooperation Programme Award, Henan Province, China, 2016
- Distinguished Service Award, International East-West Center Alumni Association, 2006
- Award for Innovative Excellence in Teaching, 2003
Dr. Littlejohn has served as a grant director and co-director for multiple educational initiatives, including the Tennessee National Consortium for Teaching about Asia and the National Consortium for Teaching about East Asia. He has directed Belmont University’s student travel programs in China and Hawaii and has led numerous faculty development workshops. He is also an active contributor to academic journals and encyclopedias, including the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy and the International Encyclopedia of Ethics.
He has directed several symposia on Asian studies at Belmont and has been a keynote speaker at international conferences in China and the U.S. His work in media includes television programs on Daoism and contributions to National Geographic’s Sacred Journeys series.
