Invitation to an International Conference
Re-Learning
to Be Human for Global Times:
Dialogue of Cultures and Civilizations
Shandong University, Jinan, P.R. China
(near Confucius hometown)
August 7-9,
2018
Conference Program
Theme
As humanity moves ahead it is challenged by its own global
reach; but globalization
is not entirely new and the “global imaginary” seems to
promise great opportunities. Moving ahead with the progress
of the world, we must not lose what had been acquired, but
build upon what had been achieved.
How then to create the paths ahead; how to discover the main
challenges and opportunities; and how to interrelate one
culture to another in a way which gathers them together in a
pattern that is not abstract but concrete and continuous,
analogous and dialogical?
To navigate globalization as a major transition which
threatens world order and generates millions of immigrants
the special challenge of our times is to go both more
broadly and deeply in dimensions that are both horizontal
and vertical, with inclusive breadth and inspiring
transcendence.
Responding to this process of globalization will require
delineating a complex of ideas and insights. Singly or
conjointly, these should drive research and teaching
forward, in a cohesive and creative manner to reach minds
and hearts in this complex age. In the emerging crises of
global times the overall effort would seem to cluster around
the general theme: “Re-Learning
to be Human for Global Times: Challenges and Opportunities.”
I.
Listening and Discerning the Signs of the Times;
II. Ways of Thinking and
Knowing: Distinctive and Sharable
III. Ways of Being and
Ontological Commitments:
IV.
Wisdoms as Ways of Life in Different Cultures;
V. Ways of
Acting (Ethic and Religious) in the Major Civilizations;
VI. Human
Flourishing (Economic, Political, Cultural, etc.) and Global
Challenges;
VII.
Social Imaginaries and Values through Different Cultural
Traditions;
VIII. Crossing Boundaries
and Fusion of Horizons; and
IX. Uniqueness and
Commonality in Aesthetics and Arts.
Each of these subthemes should in turn suggest multiple more
focused interdisciplinary research. These can draw upon, or
contribute to, their own cultures, understood as ways of
life.
Abstract
Please send 300 words abstract and a brief CV to Bian
Shaobin [shaobinb@sdu.edu.cn],
Feng Bo [893126909@qq.com] and [cua-rvp@cua.edu] by April
20, 2018. Full papers sent by July 20, 2018 will be
considered to be published by the RVP in its publication
series "Cultural Heritage and Contemporary Change."
Logistics
There
is no registration fees. Travel expenses will be covered by
participants (or their institutions); the local organizer
will provide accommodations during the conference.
Contacts
Bian Shaobin & Feng Bo
School of Philosophy and Social Development
Shandong University
Jinan, Shandong Privince
P.R. China
Email: shaobinb@sdu.edu.cn &
893126909@qq.com
