At Bryan Van Norden’s institgation, a few of us are going to gather at Vassar on June 8-9 to present introductory lectures on key figures in classical Chinese philosophy, and then discuss our approaches. This will be an ideal opportunity for colleagues who are not specialists in early Chinese thought (be they philosophers, sinologists, interested students, etc.) to get a concentrated introduction to these great thinkers and texts. In addition, we welcome any specialists who would like to join in the discussions, both formal and informal. There will also be a session near the end in which all are invited to discuss some recent secondary scholarship. Please see below for details.
First Annual Peripatetic Summer
Symposium on Chinese Philosophy
中國哲學研討會
Location: Vassar College, 124 Raymond Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12604
Dates: June 8-9, 2012
Theme: Speakers this year have been invited to present introductory lectures (suitable for non-specialists and the general public).
Funding? Not a penny!
Attendance: Open to everyone, but please RSVP the coordinators.
Coordinators: Bryan W. Van Norden (Chair, Vassar Philosophy Department) brvannorden@vassar.edu; Cathy Schmidt (Vassar Philosophy Department Administrator) caschmidt@vassar.edu, 845-437-5530
DAY 1 (June 8, 2012)
12-1:30 Confucius lecture (Erin Cline) and discussion
1:30-1:45 Break
1:45-3:15 Mozi lecture (Bryan Van Norden) and discussion
3:15-3:30 Break with light snacks
3:30-5:00 Mengzi lecture (Hagop Sarkissian) and discussion
5-whenever Dutch-treat Dinner/discussion at local restaurant
(Some participants will stay overnight at their own expense.)
DAY 2 (June 9, 2012)
9-10:30 Zhuangzi lecture (David Elstein) and discussion
10:30-10:45 Break
10:45-12:15 Xunzi lecture (Steve Angle) and discussion
12:15-2PM Lunch
2-3:30: Discussion of David Wong, “Complexity and Simplicity in Aristotle and Early Daoist Thought,” and G.E.R. Lloyd, “The Greeks and the Chinese on the Emotions and the Problem of Cross-Cultural Universals and Relativism,” both from King and Schilling, eds., How Should One Live? (de Gruyter, 2011).
3:30-5 Free time
5-whenever Dutch-treat Dinner/discussion at local restaurant
