This year marks the 10th anniversary of the passing of Professor Yu Wujin (俞吾金), a distinguished professor in the humanities at Fudan University, professor at the School of Philosophy, and director of the Center for Contemporary Marxism in Foreign Countries of Fudan University. Throughout his life, Professor Yu was a dedicated scholar, publishing over 30 works (including co-authored volumes) such as On Ideology, From Kant to Marx, Rethinking Marx, and Transformation of Problem Domains, and authoring more than 400 academic papers. He also served as editor-in-chief for journals and series including Contemporary Marxism Review and Report on Development of China’s Overseas Marxism Research (2019). Over his three-decade academic career, Professor Yu critically examined traditional constraints in the realm of thought and the one-sidedness of social life. With a broad theoretical vision encompassing both Chinese and Western traditions, he contributed a series of insightful theories and perspectives aimed at establishing modern modes of thinking and core values.
To honor Professor Yu's memory, celebrate his moral and scholarly contributions, and promote the spirit of philosophical inquiry, the School of Philosophy at Fudan University and the Center for Contemporary Marxism in Foreign Countries of Fudan University will host the "Philosophy and the Spirit of the Times: Distinguished Scholars Lecture Series in Commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of Professor Yu Wujin's Passing."
Nine esteemed scholars have been invited to deliver lectures in this series:
Professor Wu Xiaoming 吴晓明(Distinguished Professor in the Humanities at Fudan University)
Professor Zhao Dunhua 赵敦华(Peking University)
Professor Zhang Yibin 张异宾(Nanjing University)
Professor Sun Zhouxing 孙周兴(Zhejiang University)
Professor Tong Shijun 童世骏(East China Normal University)
Professor Wan Junren 万俊人(Tsinghua University)
Professor Chen Xueming 陈学明(Fudan University)
Professor Wang Nanshi 王南湜(Nankai University)
Professor Yang Geng 杨耕(Beijing Normal University)
We cordially invite you to attend.
Lecture Details
Topic: On the Fundamental Differences Between Chinese and Western Philosophy
Time: September 9th, 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Venue: Room 102, Guanghua East Sub-Building
Speaker: Professor Wu Xiaoming 吴晓明 (Distinguished Professor in the Humanities at Fudan University; Professor at the School of Philosophy; Director of the Center for Contemporary Marxism in Foreign Countries of Fudan University)
Host: Professor Zhang Shuangli 张双利 (Dean of the School of Philosophy, Fudan University)
Lecture Abstract
In the context of "world history," Chinese philosophy's self-understanding necessitates a comparative perspective with Western philosophy. Within this comparison, discerning their fundamental differences becomes paramount—echoing the adage: "To grasp the essence, seek the root; do not merely distinguish the turbid from the clear in the tributaries."
Fundamentally, Western philosophy is characterized by metaphysics, epitomized by Platonism. This metaphysical framework establishes a dichotomy between the supersensible and the sensible worlds, determining distinctions between truth and falsehood, reality and unreality. In stark contrast, Chinese philosophy is founded on principles such as the inseparability of "Dao" and its manifestations, and the unity of essence and function. It emphasizes that "the Great Dao is never separate from human daily life." Consequently, the distinguishing conclusion is: "While the essence of Western philosophy lies in metaphysics, Chinese philosophy inherently exists outside the realm of metaphysics."
Short Bio of the Speaker
Prof. Wu Xiaoming 吴晓明
Born in July 1957, Professor Wu Xiaoming serves as a professor and doctoral advisor at the School of Philosophy, Fudan University. He holds the title of "Changjiang Scholar" Distinguished Professor awarded by the Ministry of Education and is the president of the Shanghai Philosophy Society. He also directs the Center for Contemporary Marxism in Foreign Countries of Fudan University, a key research base under the Ministry of Education. Professor Wu has received numerous honors, including National Model Teacher, Shanghai Educator Award, and the Baogang Outstanding Teaching Award Special Prize. He serves as a chief expert for the "Marxism Theoretical Research and Construction Project" and has contributed to the development of its teaching materials. His primary research areas encompass the history of Marxism philosophy, ontological studies in Marxism philosophy, and comparative studies between Marxism and contemporary Western philosophy.
Short Bio of the Host
Prof. Zhang Shuangli 张双利
Professor Zhang Shuangli is the Dean of the School of Philosophy at Fudan University and serves as a professor at the same institution. He is also the Deputy Director of the Center for Contemporary Marxism in Foreign Countries of Fudan University, a key research base under the Ministry of Education. Professor Zhang has been selected for national talent programs and holds positions as an executive council member of the Chinese Society for the History of Marxism Philosophy, the Society for Overseas Marxism Philosophy, and the Shanghai Philosophy Society. His research focuses on the ideological foundations of Marx's classic works, fundamental theories of Western Marxism, and cutting-edge developments in contemporary foreign Marxism philosophy.
