Chinese academics studying the Western classics are battling an increasingly popular conspiracy theory Greek and Roman literature, philosophy, and even famous monuments are frauds. The pseudo-historical school – as its opponents call it – has been around for years, but what was once a fringe position has become increasingly prominent online, with some well-known nationalist intellectuals helping to amplify conspiracy theories, and some even questioning whether Aristotle and his surviving works were real.
Mantineia Liu, a postgraduate student studying Western classical philosophy at Shanghai’s Fudan University, said she has seen this idea spread over the past decade from small groups in certain chat groups to something her older relatives kept bringing up when they got home. went for family gatherings. such as the Lunar New Year.
But she believes the conspiracy theory has “suddenly expanded” since 2017. More than once, older relatives have said to her, “I heard that all these Western historical and cultural relics are counterfeit, is that possible?”
An associate professor studying classical Western philosophy at a top Chinese university echoed Liu’s comments.
“People who are really interested in ancient philosophy, thought or history don’t buy this kind of view, and it is often taken as a joke in academia, but there is a huge market for it among the general public,” said the academic, who did not wonder to be mentioned, said.