Lost in Translation?!
How to Read the Daodejing in English
With Hans-Georg Moeller

On July 2, Prof. Dr. Hans-Georg Moeller will join the Daodejing Reading Group led by Robin R. Wang in a discussion of one of the central questions in the study of classical Chinese philosophy: How can texts such as the Daodejing be translated, and is translation ever fully possible? 

Drawing on his experience of producing the acclaimed Daodejing: A Complete Translation and Commentary (Open Court, 2007), Moeller will offer insights into the practical and philosophical dimensions of translating classical Chinese texts. Together with Moeller, we will explore how the translator navigates the linguistic specificity, multiple layers of meaning, and cultural context of the Daodejing, and the interpretive choices involved in producing a contemporary rendering of one of Daoism’s foundational works.

Hans-Georg Moeller is professor of philosophy at the University of Macau. His research focuses on Chinese and comparative philosophy, especially Daoism, as well as social and political thought, particularly social systems theory. He is the author of numerous books and articles, including The Philosophy of the Daodejing (2006), The Moral Fool: A Case for Amorality (2009), and The Radical Luhmann (2011), all published by Columbia University Press. He also hosts the philosophy YouTube channels Carefree Wandering and Philosophy in Motion.