In turbulent times, the Confucian philosophy is often regarded as a set of guiding principles for social harmony and humanistic values. However, the Chinese ancient tradition also includes other schools of thought, providing a rich and diverse landscape of wisdom on political leadership. During his lecture, Professor Marcin Jacoby, Director of the Department of Asian Studies at SWPS University will talk about a 3rd century B.C. Chinese text Lüshi chunqiu and how it can shed light on modern Asia and help in understanding modern relationships between Asia and the rest of the world.
The lecture, organized by SWPS University's Interdisciplinary Doctoral School is a part of the series The Challenges of the Humanities of the 21st Century.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this online lecture is available only to doctoral students.
The lecture will be delivered in English.
December 18
16:00-17:30 CET (GMT+1)
Warsaw
Political leadership in times of change: lessons from ancient China
With dynamic shifts and changes across the globe today, East Asia comes increasingly into focus. The handling of the COVID-19 health crisis in the region, rapid economic recovery, and the growing role of China and Korea on the world technological stage provoke questions about our knowledge of modern Asia and its political traditions. One approach to building a deeper understanding of the region is exploring its cultural foundations. Much of the classical Sinology is devoted to the analysis of the Chinese writing tradition, especially of the formative period for the Chinese ethical and political thought, ranging from the 5th to the 3rd century B.C. Lüshi chunqiu, a 3rd century B.C. handbook of political leadership offers a comprehensive view of wisdom developed in pre-imperial China.
Can such an ancient text help us understand modern East Asia? Does it reveal cultural codes and intellectual traditions which are still viable in the politics of today? Can Sinology prove the applicability of its methodology in modern research in the humanities and social sciences? Lüshi chunqiu serves as an example in this discussion on the challenges of Sinology in modern science, and the quest for understanding East Asia and its political traditions.
Speaker
Professor Marcin Jacoby – Sinologist and translator. His area of expertise includes social and political issues of the East Asia region, in particular China and the Republic of Korea. He is interested in the historical and cultural roots of transformational processes of this region of the world. His research interests include Chinese classical literature and culture of ancient China. He is fluent in contemporary and classical Chinese and translates Chinese literature into Polish.From 2008 to 2017, he was manager of “Project Asia” at the Adam Mickiewicz Institute, which involved promotion of Polish culture in China, Japan, India, and the Republic of Korea. In the same period, he was also Assistant Professor at the Department of Sinology of the Faculty of Oriental Studies at the University of Warsaw. Prior to his academic career, he worked at the Oriental Art Department of the National Museum in Warsaw (2002-2008). More information »
China has grown to be the second economic power in the world after the United States. Other Asian countries are following in its footsteps. Understanding of this region, its culture and a way of thinking is important not only for politics and economy, but also for science and research. We are fortunate to have Asian scholarship here, at SWPS University, in the Department of Asian studies, and have an opportunity to learn more about this region from Professor Marcin Jacoby.
Professor Izabela Grabowska, Director of Interdisciplinary Doctoral School
The Challenges of the Humanities of the 21st Century
“The Challenges of Humanities of the 21st Century” is a series of lectures by distinguished specialists, who represent various disciplines from the field of humanities. The events are aimed at students of SWPS University's Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program, however all interested parties are welcome. The format includes post-lecture informal discussions on topics presented by the invited experts. The friendly atmosphere of the events is conducive to networking, which lends itself to opportunities of future internships at universities or research centers around the world.
Doctoral Education at SWPS University
Doctoral Education at SWPS University is directed to people interested in an academic career and also to those, who would like to continue their education and personal development in support of their career advancement. The interdisciplinary character of our programs allows students to participate in projects from various disciplines. Our doctoral students collaborate with scholars from the best research centers in Poland and around the world. The master-apprentice approach guarantees that each student receives individual attention and professional support.
Date and Location
December 18, 2020, 16:00 CET (GMT+1)
Online lecture for doctoral students only.