I was once told by one professor that many Enlightenment-era philosophers were influenced by Chinese philosophers while another professor said that they weren't. Which one is true?

by themanwhosleptin

When I was college, I took a course in East Asian history and I recalled my professor mentioning that many philosophers of the Enlightenment were influenced by ancient Chinese philosophers because around that time Chinese texts were becoming available to Europeans. However, later on in college, my professor who taught a course in critical theory told me that none of the philosophers of the Enlightenment were influenced by Eastern philosophy.

Which of my professors were right? Thanks in advance!

Searocksandtrees

hi! it might be worth x-posting this one to /r/askphilosophy