RUC holds 2013 International Forum on Confucianism
2013.12.11
On Nov 29th, the 10th International Forum on Confucianism, cosponsored by RUC and the Korea Foundation for Advanced Studies (KFAS), was unveiled at Run Run Shaw Conference Center, RUC. Nearly 100 scholars from countries and regions including South Korea, Japan, Russia, US, Netherland, Chinese Mainland, HK and Taiwan attended the meeting. Professor Chen Yulu, RUC President, Professor Yang Huilin, RUC Vice President, Professor Zhang Liwen, Director of Confucius Research Institute of RUC, Mr. Park In-kook, KFAS President, Professor Du Weiming, Dean of Institute for Advanced Humanistic Studies of Peking University, Professor Chen Lai, Dean of Tsinghua Academy of Chinese Learning and Director of Chinese Philosophy History Society, Honorary Professor Li Dongjun from Sungkyunkwan University, South Korea, Honorary Professor Tomohisa Ikeda from the University of Tokyo, Japan attended the opening ceremony hosted by RUC Vice President Prof. Yang Huilin.
RUC President Prof. Chen Yulu pointed out in his opening remarks that the 2013 International Forum on Confucianism, themed at Confucianism thought and ideal governance, explores in depth political philosophy and valuable social governance experience in ancient China, extracts excellent resources of traditional culture, sets store by the contemporary value of political wisdom, promotes the exchange between oriental ancient wisdom and occidental political civilization, and provides rich, detailed and latest materials for China’s study of political philosophy.
KFAS President, Park In-kook, holds the idea that Confucius political philosophy and wisdom are not historical relics. They have profound influence not only on the values and thinking pattern, but also on political philosophy and social order of China and other East Asian countries. It is of great significance to discuss the contemporary value of Confucian ideal of governance.
Professor Zhang Liwen delivered a keynote speech at the forum. From the study of alternation of decentralization and centralization of power in ancient politics, he classified the contemporary political system into five modes: 1, centralization of power as a base; 2, decentralization of power as a base; 3, centralization of power as a base, decentralization for practical application; 4, decentralization as a base, centralization for practical application; 5, convergence and coordination of decentralization and centralization. These five modes have influence on the daily life of people across the world and bear on peace, security, development and cooperation between countries.
Professor Du Weiming, Professor Chen Lai, Honorary Professor Li Dongjun and Honorary Professor Tomohisa Ikeda also made speeches at the forum.
The forum lasts three days, consisting of general meeting and group sessions. Scholars at the forum conducted in-depth discussions and exchanges on Confucianism thought and ideal governance, ideal political philosophy modes in China and the West, the Confucian conception of justice and Confucian political philosophy’s influence overseas.
The International Forum on Confucianism has been held per year since it started in 2004. It persists in the study and promotion of Chinese traditional Confucian culture and is dedicated to gearing up the exchange of Confucianism research between East Asia and other parts of the world.