Principle of Progressive Humanity (Departmental Seminar)
Prof. Li Chenyang |
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4:30pm-6:30pm HK Time |
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Room 220, Fung King Hey Building with synchronous online broadcasting on Zoom |
Joining the Seminar face-to-face:
Limited seats for face-to-face seminar. Registrations will be handled on a first come, first served basis.
Register by 4 January 2024: https://cloud.itsc.cuhk.edu.hk/webform/view.php?id=13680180
Joining the Seminar online:
No registration is required.
Link: https://cuhk.zoom.us/j/92127464116
Meeting ID: 921 2746 4116
Enquiries:
Tel: 3943 7135
Email: philosophy@cuhk.edu.hk
Abstract:
In philosophical inquiry, we follow established principles. We follow the principle of charity, by which we interpret a speaker’s statements in the most rational way possible and, in the case of any argument, considering its best, strongest possible interpretation. We follow the principle of humanity, which requires us to make sense of an idea or text by attributing to the idea holder “the propositional attitudes one supposed one would have oneself in those circumstances” (Dennett 1989). In developing Confucianism in the 21st century, I propose a principle of progressive humanity. On this enhanced principle, we should not only make sense of ancient thinkers by placing them under their own historical circumstances as prescribed by the principle of humanity, but also expand their ideas on the basis of their overall philosophical dispositions in response to modern sensibilities. That is, from an ancient thinker’s general attitude and philosophical framework, we propose new views that someone sharing such attitude and framework may come to hold under modern circumstances.
Delivered in English.
All are welcome.