Peking University, Beijing, May 27, 2010: On May 21, “PKU Boya Forum,” organized by Peking University and China Young Leaders Foundation (CYLF) and undertaken by PKU Department of History, was held in PKU Yingjie Overseas Exchange Center. The forum aimed at an instructive discussion on the theme “Era of Globalization and Orientation of Chinese Culture” in order to encourage and lead young students to take on the cultural responsibility in the new era.

Famous scholar Lin Yusheng and New Confucian Tu Weiming both came to PKU for the Boya Forum. Those also present at the forum included Deputy Head of United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee Mr. Hu Deping, Executive Director of New World China Land Limited and Chairman of CYLF Mr. Zheng Zhigang, and more than fifty other famous contemporary scholars and professors. The forum was hosted by Prof. Deng Xiaonan, Vice Chairman of Association of Chinese Historiaris (ACH) and professor of PKU Department of History. PKU Executive Vice President Wu Zhipan and Chairman of CYLF Mr. Zheng Zhigang both delivered opening speeches.

Prof. Wu Zhipan, Executive Vice President of PKU

Prof. Lin Yusheng from the University of Wisconsin first gave a speech on “Ways to Promote Research on Humanities in China within the Context of Communication between China and the West.” Prof. Lin discussed the issue of the development of the study of humanities in China from the following three aspects: the definition of the humanities, external conditions for carrying out academic research, and the corresponding internal conditions. Within one hour’s time, Prof. Lin provided the audience with a clear theoretical frame. He invoked Wang Guowei’s theory of “Three Realms” and Poincaré’s theory of “Four Stages of Discovery” to prove that the external conditions for academic research is “to provide researchers with undisturbed time and space concerning both social institutions and cultural atmosphere.” As for internal conditions, Prof. Lin pointed out that an awareness of problems should be fostered, in order to avoid “the mistake of the misplacement of a sense of specificity.”

Prof. Lin Yusheng

Prof. Tu Weiming fixed his view upon innovative level and made a speech on “Innovation in Confucianism under the Shadow of Westernization.” “Ever since the May Fourth Movement,” he said, “what has been playing a greatly influential role in the development of Confucianism are patriotism and nationalism.” Prof. Tu gave a review and summary of the three stages of the development of Confucianism. In addition, he made a lively presentation of the theories and personal charms of scholars like Zhang Dainian and Xiong Shili. Providing an anatomy of the relationship between Confucian ideals and modernity, he said, “Westernization itself is not a shadow, but it can have a shadowy side.”

Prof. Tu Weiming

Prof. Yan Buke and Prof. Luo Zhitian of the History Department gave a brief comment on the speeches of the two speakers. Prof. Yan highly appreciated Prof. Lin’s understanding of “humanity”, pointing out that “academic research needs a kind of humanistic care.” While Prof. Luo emphasized that to study Confucianism, scholars have to face the future and deal with academic issues from a philosophical point of view.

After the comment, Prof. Lin and Prof. Tu, along with the two guests had an interactive communication with the audience, in which they offered their own interpretations of issues like scientism, systematization of Confucian ideals, approaches in Confucian study and establishment of first-class universities. The forum was concluded by Prof. Deng Xiaonan’s remarks.

  
 

Translated By: Sherry Chu

Edited By: Jacques

Source: PKU News (Chinese)