It is often remarked that too many papers are published, too few read. This is likely true of our own area of interest here at Warp, Weft, and Way–Chinese philosophy.

One way to call more attention to published research and, more importantly, have it read and incorporated into ongoing debates, is to highlight exceptional work. The most widely known yearly distinction for philosophy papers is the Philosopher’s Annual (motto: “an attempt to pick the ten best articles of the year”). Alas, it is unlikely anything concerning Chinese philosophy will be nominated for, let alone receive, this distinction in the foreseeable future. Dao: A Journal of Comparative Philosophy does choose one article per year for distinction, which has been terrific; but its candidate pool is limited to articles published in that journal. This leaves out several other journals that publish important research, not to mention the numerous anthologies and companion volumes that remain important vehicles for cutting edge research in our field. And as mainstream, non-specialist journals begin to accept more papers in Chinese philosophy, some papers may be overlooked as a result.

But we need not sit idly by while meritorious articles go unrecognized. Hence, we announce the Warp, Weft, and Way Outstanding Papers of the Year (or WWWOPY) Awards. Continue reading →