Interdisciplinary Study of Religions Program, Chinese Studies Program, and Asian Studies Program Present
Why Does the Chinese Leadership Quote Confucius?
Monday, March 2, 2015
Hegeman 102
A lecture by Dr. Jyrki Kallio
What is behind the revival of tradition in modernizing China? The presentation discusses the various interpretations of Confucianism which have prevailed during different historical eras, as well as the contemporary significance of Confucianism in China, East Asia, and the world.
Confucianism is enjoying a revival in China. During the last century, it was rejected by the revolutionaries as reactionary, but recently the Chinese government has started promoting traditional values associated with Confucianism, such as harmony, decency and law-abidingness. At the same time, signs of a more spontaneous revival can be seen on the grass-roots level, such as parents sending their children to Confucian "Sunday schools" to study the classics by rote. Many academics have started researching the roots of Confucianism, some arguing that its "true" nature is not in line with the collectivist values which the government advocates, but in individual self-enlightenment, instead.
For more information, call 845-758-7545, or e-mail [email protected].
Location: Hegeman 102
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