Both classical Chinese and Graeco-Roman cultures were marked by an intense focus on didactics; in other words, many of the foundational texts of these two traditions were centrally concerned with the instruction of their readers, especially in the moral virtues. This year, the Janus Project is bringing the comparative and connected didactic features of the classical Chinese and Graeco-Roman traditions to the fore, with a particular emphasis on early modern Latin written in or about East Asia. For example: the original Analects (論語) of Confucius aim to teach certain virtues; the Jesuit translation of the Analects in the Confucius Sinarum Philosophus (1687) aims not only to impart these virtues but also thereby to teach a European audience about Chinese philosophy and to strengthen the practice of European-Christian morals. Both the original ancient texts and the early modern Latin corpus generated from them were thus products of cultures deeply invested in moral education. How can wisdom be taught, found, or acquired? What must one do to be or become a virtuous person? What are the necessary ingredients for a happy life or society? How do texts address these questions through their literary form? And, from a modern scholar’s perspective, how easily do these questions and the answers given to them cross cultural and linguistic boundaries? The 2025 Janus Project Conference encourages scholars from a wide-range of specialisms, including but not limited to history, classics, philosophy, comparative literature, and East Asian studies, to join us in exploring these questions.
We are delighted to have Professor Thierry Meynard (Sun-Yat Sen University, Jesuit Translations) and Dr. Jingyi Jenny Zhao (Cambridge University, Comparative Ancient Philosophy) as our keynote speakers.
We invite paper proposals on any aspect of moral education involving a point of connection or comparison between the classical East Asian and Greco-Roman worlds, with a particular focus on their early modern neo-Latin confluence. Hybrid online participation will be possible. Early career scholars are especially welcome to apply. Please submit abstracts of no longer than 300 words to admin@janus-project.org by 9 May 2025.
