Peking University, Nov.10, 2016: On Nov.10, the international workshop: Confucianism in the Age of Enlightenment was held by the Institute for Advanced Humanistic Studies and the World Ethics Center (WEIB) of PKU. About 30 scholars of related areas from Peking University, Chinese Academy of Sciences, American Pennsylvania State University and French Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales et al. attended the seminar.
The seminar scene
Tu Wei-ming, dean of the Institute for Advanced Humanistic Studies, first showed his appreciation for the professors who had made preparations for this seminar. Then Tu expressed his ideas on the topic of this seminar. In his view, Confucianism had deep and profound influence on the enlightenment thinkers as represented by Leibniz. Confucianism gave westerners theoretical and practical guidance in their pursuit of self-knowledge and truth. Furthermore, Tu hoped that this seminar would offer insights into the development and surmount of modernity of China. In this sense, all discussions during the seminar would be of great inspiring significance.
Tu giving a speech
Meng Hua, the convener of this seminar, professor of Institute of Comparative Literature and Culture of PKU, expressed her appreciation for the scholars present. Meng mentioned that due to the coincidence of history, many Confucian classics were translated into western languages and gave inspiration to the enlightenment thinkers, marking the westward spread and internationalization of Confucianism. Meng thought that Confucianism not only enriched the European Enlightenment thought, but also facilitated the modernization of the West. And this was also the reason for the choice of topic of this seminar.
Meng giving a speech
Then, Meng talked about the preparation for this seminar. She believed the ’diversify structure’ of the scholars attended borrowing collective wisdom of human civilization would be helpful to a deeper understanding of the topic, in question. At last, she wished the success of the seminar.
This seminar lasted from Nov. 26 to 28 including 7 sessions centering on different topics. And every session had 30 minutes for the discussion allowing for the scholars to share their opinions and have discussion. Besides, there was a round table discussion on the morning of Nov. 28 further discussing related issues.
Written by: Li Yao
Edited by: Wang Qian
