Konfucijanski preporod in njegov vpliv na sodobne vzhodnoazijske družbe skozi prizmo odnosa med individuumom in družbo

Vsebinski opis projekta

Confucianism is a widespread cultural heritage in East Asia and its revival in the early 20th century had a significant impact on redefining the cultural and ideological foundations of modern East Asian societies. Its revival, which manifests itself in the Modern New Confucian stream of thought (现代新儒学), aimed to modernize traditional Confucian ideas by incorporating Western theories while still maintaining its core values. The current is defined as the search for a synthesis between Western and traditional East Asian thought, in order to elaborate a system of ideas and values capable of resolving the social and political problems of the modern, globalized world. The intellectuals belonging to this stream of thought, have namely attempted to reconcile “Western” and “traditional Chinese” values, in order to create a theoretical model of modernization that would not be confused or equated with “Westernization”.

The current of Modern New Confucianism has been well-researched in the Sinophone sphere, including Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. However, despite its significant influence in other East Asian regions such as Korea and partly also Japan, the research on Modern Confucianism and its impact in these areas is limited. This calls for further investigation and examination of the subject to gain a comprehensive understanding of its development and impact in the wider East Asian region. Hence, the proposed project aims to provide a comprehensive examination of Modern New Confucianism by studying its theoretical approaches, ideas, and methods, as well as exploring the political, social, and ideological context of the Confucian revival and its specificities in Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Korea, and Japan.

Our research will first establish the global significance and intercultural framework of the subject matter and then move on to examine the general characterization of East Asian modernity and the historical and political conditions that shaped its multifaceted modernization processes. Our study will proceed from the Confucian ethics, particularly in the form of traditional “relationism," which is based on a specific form of role-ethics. This model of social ethics is rooted in the concept of the so-called “relational self”, which emphasizes the importance of relationships in shaping the individual's identity.

On this basis, we will highlight any culturally divergent issues that may arise. In this regard, we will particularly focus upon the investigation of two agendas: firstly, we aim to shed light upon the question of why and in which specific ways the relicts of traditional Confucianism influence modern East Asian societies in spite of their different political and social systems. Subsequently, we shall elaborate upon different structures of the relation between the individual and the society in all regions under observation. This examination will provide a nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between the Confucian revival and the development of East Asian contemporalities.

The project team, consisting of four well-known experts in East Asian Confucianism (two Sinologists, an expert in Korean studies and one in Japanese studies) will study the interweaving of modernity and tradition in East Asia, striving for a comprehensive understanding of the modernization of Confucian heritage and its different manifestations in Korea, Japan, China Taiwan, and Hong Kong. The goal is to foster intercultural exchanges to enhance cultural, economic, and political ties with East Asia and to promote intercultural awareness and sensitivity in the context of multiple modernities. This is important given the current globalized nature of the world's crises, which require intercultural cooperation and exchange of knowledge, experiences, and ideas. Additionally, effective cross-cultural communication, a secondary outcome of this project, is crucial for Europe, with its diverse cultural, linguistic, and traditional backgrounds.

doc. dr. Tea Sernelj, red. prof. dr. Jana S.Rošker, doc. dr. Kang Byoung Yoong, asist. dr. Marko Ogrizek

Spodaj je navedena realizacija faz, navedenih v levem stolpcu. (Realizacija se opiše ob koncu vsakega leta)

1.    Leto: od 01.10.2023-30.09.2024

Realizacija:

2.    Leto: od 01.10.2024-30.09.2024

Realizacija:

3.    Leto: od 01.10.2024-30.09.2025

Realizacija:

The research will be divided into 5 research segments (RS) that denote different areas of activity: RS1 - Research in archives, fieldwork and networking; RS2 - Academic meetings and other forms of international cooperation; RS3 - Managing and reporting; RS4 – Outcomes; and RS5 – Dissemination.

The research segments will be either conducted simultaneously or in sequence, depending on the agenda. Each segment will be divided into individual tasks, including:

RS1: Archival and field work in East Asia and specialized libraries worldwide.

• Archival and field work in East Asia and in specialized libraries in Europe (and partly in the USA) is a crucial component of this research segment. This activity involves collecting, analysing, and preserving primary and secondary sources of information related to the research topic. The sources of information can include archives, manuscripts, historical documents, artefacts, and other physical and digital records.

RS2: Attendance and organization of national and international workshops, summer schools, academic forums, guest lectures, symposia, and conferences is a key component of research segment 2. These activities involve participating in and hosting events that provide opportunities for researchers to exchange ideas, share research findings, and discussing future collaboration in further projects.

• The research team members will participate in events organized by others. These events will provide us opportunities to learn about the latest developments in our field, network with other researchers, and engage with a wider audience.
• On the other hand, we will also organize and host academic events on project related themes. These events will provide us opportunities to showcase our research results, exchange with other researchers, and build relationships with key partners. The events can take various forms, including workshops, summer schools, academic forums, guest lectures, symposia, and conferences.

RS3: Kick-off workshop, periodical meetings, and final meeting are key components of research segment 3. These activities provide opportunities for the research team to come together to discuss the progress of the project, share ideas, and make decisions about the direction of the research. The goal of these meetings is to ensure that the research is conducted in a coordinated and efficient manner.

• The kick-off workshop will be the first meeting of the research team, and will be held at the beginning of the project. It will provide an opportunity for the team to come together to discuss the objectives, methodology, and timeline of the project, as well as to establish a plan for the research under the guidance of the project leader.
• Periodical meetings will be regular meetings held by the research team, usually at the beginning of each research period. These meetings will provide an opportunity for the team to discuss their progress, share findings, and plan future activities.
• The final meeting will be held at the end of the project and will provide an opportunity for the research team to come together to review the results of the project and to plan future activities. The final meeting is also an opportunity to honour the accomplishments of the project and to reflect on the lessons learned.

RS4: The activities will result in project outputs. These will include:

• Research articles and special issues in high impact factor academic journals. The results of the research will be published in prominent academic journals in relevant fields such as East Asia - An International Quarterly, Comparative Philosophy, Asian and African Studies, Asian Studies, Asian Philosophy, Dao - A Journal of Comparative Philosophy, Religions, Contemporary Chinese Literature and Thought Today, The Journal of Korean Studies, Journal of Japanese Studies, etc.
• Monographs and edited volumes, published by reputable international academic publishers, such as Springer, Routledge, Bloomsbury Academic, Brill, Hong Kong Chinese University Press, SUNY, University of Hawaii Press, etc. The research team is also committed to sharing their findings and contributions in Slovenian language through the publication of an anthology and a monograph. Both works will be published by the esteemed University of Ljubljana Press, providing a platform for their research to reach a wider Slovenian audience.

RS5: Parallel to our research work, the project team members will continuously share and distribute the findings, conclusions, and implications of a research study to a wider audience with the goal of maximizing the impact and influence of the research, and to ensure that the results can be used to inform decision making and contribute to the advancement of knowledge. The dissemination of our project results will encompass various strategies to reach a broad audience and increase the effect of the research. These activities will include:

• Website: A dedicated website will be created to provide an overview of the project, its objectives, methodology, and results. The website will also serve as a platform for sharing research outputs and updates on the project's progress.
• E-newsletters: Regular e-newsletters will be sent to academic associations, universities, and research institution working in the project-related topics, to keep them informed of the project's progress and the latest research results.
• Presentations: Presentations will be given at various public events to share the research findings and engage with a wider audience.
• Cultural dissemination: The results of the project will be disseminated to the general public through cultural events and exhibitions, as well as through media outlets such as radio interviews, news websites and magazines.
• New educational materials: The project will result in the creation of new educational materials, such as textbooks, teaching aids, and e-learning resources, to support the transfer of knowledge and ensure that the results can be used in a practical context.

• SERNELJ, Tea. In defence of subjectivity and autonomy : Shitao’s aesthetic theory and his critique of the mainstream school of painting in the Early Qing Dynasty. Asian studies. [Print ed.]. 2024, vol. 12 (28), iss. 2, str. 145-169. ISSN 2232-5131. https://journals.uni-lj.si/as/article/view/16517/15587, Repozitorij Univerze v Ljubljani – RUL, Digitalna knjižnica Slovenije - dLib.si. [COBISS.SI-ID 194797827], [Odprti dostop, SNIP] projekt: J6-50202-2023 Konfucijanski preporod in njegov vpliv na sodobne vzhodnoazijske družbe skozi prizmo odnosa med individuumom in družbo; financer: Javna agencija za znanstvenoraziskovalno in inovacijsko dejavnost Republike Slovenije projekt: RG001-N-23 The problem of freedom, humanismand the human subject in intercultural perspective: Europe and Taiwan kategorija: 1A1 (Z, A'', A', A1/2); uvrstitev: Scopus (h), Scopus (d), MBP (DOAJ, ERIHPLUS, ESCI) 
• SERNELJ, Tea. The rise of individual personhood in early medieval China. Asian studies. [Print ed.]. 2024, vol. 12 (28), iss. 3, str. 131-149. ISSN 2232-5131. https://journals.uni-lj.si/as/article/view/18910/16220, Repozitorij Univerze v Ljubljani – RUL. [COBISS.SI-ID 208076803], [Odprti dostop, SNIP] projekt: J6-50202-2023 Konfucijanski preporod in njegov vpliv na sodobne vzhodnoazijske družbe skozi prizmo odnosa med individuumom in družbo; financer: Javna agencija za znanstvenoraziskovalno in inovacijsko dejavnost Republike Slovenije, projekt: P6-0243-2019 Azijski jeziki in kulture; financer: Javna agencija za znanstvenoraziskovalno in inovacijsko dejavnost Republike Slovenije projekt: RG001-N-23 The problem of freedom, humanismand the human subject in intercultural perspective: Europe and Taiwan kategorija: 1A1 (Z, A'', A', A1/2); uvrstitev: Scopus (h), Scopus (d), MBP (DOAJ, ERIHPLUS, ESCI)
• SERNELJ, Tea. Modern new Confucian philosophy after 1949. V: AMBROGIO, Selusi (ur.), ROGACZ, Dawid (ur.). Chinese philosophy and its thinkers. Volume 3, Chinese philosophy from the eighteenth century to the present. London: Bloomsbury Academic, cop. 2024. Str. 249-267. ISBN 978-1-35-026373-4, ISBN 978-1-35-026377-2. Repozitorij Univerze v Ljubljani – RUL. [COBISS.SI-ID 219116547]
  kategorija: 3B (Z, A1/2 projekt: J6-50202-2023 Konfucijanski preporod in njegov vpliv na sodobne vzhodnoazijske družbe skozi prizmo odnosa med individuumom in družbo; financer: Javna agencija za znanstvenoraziskovalno in inovacijsko dejavnost Republike Slovenije
  projekt: P6-0243-2019 Azijski jeziki in kulture; financer: Javna agencija za znanstvenoraziskovalno in inovacijsko dejavnost Republike Slovenije
  projekt: RG001-N-23 The problem of freedom, humanism and the human subject in intercultural perspective: Europe and Taiwan
• SERNELJ, Tea. Introduction. Asian studies. [Print ed.]. 2024, vol. 12 (28), iss. 3, str. 7-11. ISSN 2232-5131. https://journals.uni-lj.si/as/article/view/19620/16215. [COBISS.SI-ID 208077827], [SNIP]
  kategorija: SU (S); uvrstitev: Scopus (h), Scopus (d), MBP (DOAJ, ERIHPLUS, ESCI)
• ROŠKER, Jana S. Sublating humanism : the relation between the individual and society in Confucian ethics. Asian studies. [Print ed.]. 2024, vol. 12 (28), iss. 3, str. 211-227. ISSN 2232-5131. https://journals.uni-lj.si/as/article/view/18586/16226, Repozitorij Univerze v Ljubljani – RUL, DOI: 10.4312/as.2024.12.3.211-227. [COBISS.SI-ID 207704067], [Odprti dostop, SNIP, WoS, Scopus]
  projekt: J6-50208-2023 Novi teoretski pristopi k primerjalni transkulturni filozofiji in metoda sublacije; financer: Javna agencija za znanstvenoraziskovalno in inovacijsko dejavnost Republike Slovenije
  projekt: J6-50202-2023 Konfucijanski preporod in njegov vpliv na sodobne vzhodnoazijske družbe skozi prizmo odnosa med individuumom in družbo; financer: Javna agencija za znanstvenoraziskovalno in inovacijsko dejavnost Republike Slovenije
  kategorija: 1A1 (Z, A'', A', A1/2); uvrstitev: Scopus (h), Scopus (d), MBP (DOAJ, ERIHPLUS, ESCI)
• ROŠKER, Jana S. Methodological concerns in studying Chinese philosophy. V: AMBROGIO, Selusi (ur.), ROGACZ, Dawid (ur.). Chinese philosophy and its thinkers. Volume 1, Ancient and early imperial Chinese philosophy. London: Bloomsbury Academic, cop. 2024. Str. 13-34. ISBN 978-1-35-026354-3, ISBN 978-1-35-026377-2. [COBISS.SI-ID 219113731] kategorija: 3B (Z, A1/2) projekt: J6-50202-2023 Konfucijanski preporod in njegov vpliv na sodobne vzhodnoazijske družbe skozi prizmo odnosa med individuumom in družbo; financer: Javna agencija za znanstvenoraziskovalno in inovacijsko dejavnost Republike Slovenije
  projekt: P6-0243-2019 Azijski jeziki in kulture; financer: Javna agencija za znanstvenoraziskovalno in inovacijsko dejavnost Republike Slovenije
• ROŠKER, Jana S. Li Zehou and contemporary Chinese aesthetics. V: AMBROGIO, Selusi (ur.), ROGACZ, Dawid (ur.). Chinese philosophy and its thinkers. Volume 3, Chinese philosophy from the eighteenth century to the present. London: Bloomsbury Academic, cop. 2024. Str. 311–330. ISBN 978-1-35-026373-4, ISBN 978-1-35-026377-2. [COBISS.SI-ID 219115523] kategorija: 3B (Z, A1/2) projekt: J6-50202-2023 Konfucijanski preporod in njegov vpliv na sodobne vzhodnoazijske družbe skozi prizmo odnosa med individuumom in družbo; financer: Javna agencija za znanstvenoraziskovalno in inovacijsko dejavnost Republike Slovenije
  projekt: P6-0243-2019 Azijski jeziki in kulture; financer: Javna agencija za znanstvenoraziskovalno in inovacijsko dejavnost Republike Slovenije
• ROŠKER, Jana S. Anarhizem na Kitajskem na pragu 20. stoletja : primerjalna raziskava o teoriji države in anarhističnih idejah v kitajski in zahodni tradiciji. 1. e-izd. Ljubljana: Založba Univerze, 2024. 1 spletni vir (1 datoteka PDF (281 str.)). Zbirka Studia Humanitatis Asiatica. ISBN 978-961-297-343-8. ISSN 2820-3445. https://ebooks.uni-lj.si/ZalozbaUL/catalog/view/603/977/10245, Repozitorij Univerze v Ljubljani – RUL, Digitalna knjižnica Slovenije - dLib.si, DOI: 10.4312/9789612973438. [COBISS.SI-ID 195883779]
  projekt: P6-0243-2019 Azijski jeziki in kulture; financer: Javna agencija za znanstvenoraziskovalno in inovacijsko dejavnost Republike Slovenije
  projekt: J6-50208-2023 Novi teoretski pristopi k primerjalni transkulturni filozofiji in metoda sublacije; financer: Javna agencija za znanstvenoraziskovalno in inovacijsko dejavnost Republike Slovenije
  projekt: J6-50202-2023 Konfucijanski preporod in njegov vpliv na sodobne vzhodnoazijske družbe skozi prizmo odnosa med individuumom in družbo; financer: Javna agencija za znanstvenoraziskovalno in inovacijsko dejavnost Republike Slovenije
  kategorija: 2A (Z, A', A1/2) 2024. 1. Pregledni znanstveni članek: ROŠKER, Jana S. Research on the Confucian revival in Slovenia. Asian studies. [Print ed.]. 2024, vol. 12 (28), iss. 1, str. 287–304. ISSN 2232-5131.  https://journals.uni-lj.si/as/article/view/16183/15267, https://repozitorij.uni-lj.si/IzpisGradiva.php?id=154132 ,  DOI: 10.4312/as.2024.12.1.287-304. [COBISS.SI-ID 182610179], [SNIP] ; financer: AARS, Raziskovalni program, AJK, Azijski jeziki in kulture, P6-0243; ARIS, J6-50202, Konfucijanski preporod in njegov vpliv na sodobne vzhodnoazijske družbe skozi prizmo odnosa med individuumom in družbo Kategorija: 1A1 (Z, A'', A', A1/2); uvrstitev: Scopus (h), Scopus (d), MBP (DOAJ, ERIHPLUS, ESCI);

Znanstvena srečanja

Mednarodna konferenca: Does Nothingness exist? A Cross-Continental Dialogue
https://as.ff.uni-lj.si/en/does-nothingness-exist-cross-continental-dialogue
International conference hosted by the Department of Asian Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, the International Society of Chinese Philosophy (ISCP), and the European Association of Chinese Philosophy (EACP), University of Ljubljana, May 17-19, 2024

SERNELJ, Tea. Modern New Confucians on nothingness and non-being: interpretation by Fang Dongmei and Cheng Chung-yings. V: LORENČIČ, Severin (ur.), AMBROGIO, Selusi. Does Nothingness Exist? : a cross-continental dialogue : program and book of abstracts from the conference : Ljubljana, May 17-20, 2024. 1st e-ed. Ljubljana: Založba Univerze, 2024. Str. 48-49. ISBN 978-961-297-330-8. https://as.ff.uni-lj.si/en/does-nothingness-exist-cross-continental-dialogue. [COBISS.SI-ID 200268291]
projekt: P6-0243; financer: ARIS
projekt: J6-50208; financer: ARIS
projekt: J6-50202; financer: ARIS

ROŠKER, Jana S. From fundamental absence to absolute nothingness : sublating Nishida Kitaro‘s and Wang Bi‘s meontologies. V: LORENČIČ, Severin (ur.), AMBROGIO, Selusi. Does Nothingness Exist? : a cross-continental dialogue : program and book of abstracts from the conference : Ljubljana, May 17-20, 2024. 1st e-ed. Ljubljana: Založba Univerze, 2024. Str. 47. ISBN 978-961-297-330-8. https://as.ff.uni-lj.si/en/does-nothingness-exist-cross-continental-dialogue. [COBISS.SI-ID 196769795]
projekt: P6-0243; financer: ARIS
projekt: J6-50208; financer: ARIS
projekt: J6-502029; financer: ARIS

Double panel on the 25th Biennial Conference of the European Association for Chinese Studies (EACS)
Title: Transformations and Adaptations of Classical Chinese Confucianism in China and East Asia 
Organizers: Téa Sernelj and Jana S. Rošker, University of Ljubljana
 Presenters:

(Panel A)
Jana Rošker, University of Ljubljana
Geir Sigurðsson, University of Iceland
Téa Sernelj, University of Ljubljana

(Panel B)
Marko Ogrizek, University of Ljubljana
Margus Ott, Tallinn University
Kang, Byoung, Yoong, University of Ljubljana

Double panel abstract:
This double panel features a diverse group of six presenters representing four different countries and three different universities. It is structured into two distinct parts, each consisting of three speakers, and aims to explore the multifaceted nature of Confucianism as a political philosophy and ethics, as well as its contemporary adaptations in East Asian and Sinic societies.

Part 1: Defining Confucianism as a Multifaceted Political Philosophy and Ethics
This section delves into the multifaceted nature of Confucianism, scrutinizing its role as a dynamic blend of political philosophy and ethics. Presenters will delve into interpretations and dimensions of Chinese Confucianism, highlighting its complexity as a dynamic conceptual framework. They will unveil why Confucianism defies simplistic categorization as a monolithic ideational structure. Instead, they will propose novel methodologies for exploring its transformations by employing diverse modes of dynamic meta-Confucian paradigms. 

Part 2: De- and Recontextualisations of Confucianism in China and Beyond: 
In the second part, speakers will investigate the intricate transformations and adaptations of Confucianism across traditional and contemporary societies. Their focus will be on highlighting the pivotal role played by the decontextualization and subsequent recontextualization of original concepts within these evolutionary processes. Through their presentations, these speakers will illuminate various facets of Confucianism, both in its original Chinese context and as a transcultural phenomenon. They will also explore its potential relevance within the context of today's globalized world. Furthermore, they will analyze the dynamic evolution of Confucian values and their impact on shaping the contemporary world.

The abstracts of the presentations delivered in both panels:

PART 1 (PANEL A): Defining Confucianism as a Multifaceted Political Philosophy and Ethics
Jana S. Rošker, University of Ljubljana: Sublating Original Confucianism: Towards a New Meta-Confucian Paradigm 
To clarify the seemingly paradoxical nature of progressive and conservative elements within Confucianism, this presentation aims to illuminate transformations within the inner structure of Confucian ideational traditions. It will begin by introducing the three reforms and four phases that have significantly influenced the development of Confucianism throughout Chinese intellectual history, laying the foundations for its potential adoption by other cultures and regions. Building on this foundation, the author will elucidate why Confucianism has not been transmitted beyond China as a monolithic, uniform, and static ideological construct. To expound upon the fundamental structure of the relationship between Confucian philosophical ethics and the Confucian state doctrine, this contribution seeks to provide a deeper insight into the Confucian concept of a "combination of hierarchy and mobility" using the innovative methodology of transcultural comparative sublation. Through this approach, the author aims to shed light on essential inquiries related to the so-called "meta-Confucian paradigm."
Keywords: Confucian paradox, Confucian intellectual history, transformations of Confucianism, meta-Confucian paradigm

Geir Sigurðsson, University of Iceland: Adaptive and Transformational Dispositions in Confucian Ethics: Some Pros and Cons
It has often been pointed out that Confucian philosophy, especially in its early moral approaches, tends to be rather “open-ended” in the sense that it is “situational” and refrains from insisting upon rigid principles that should be upheld in every instance. The “Boston Confucians”, for instance, interpreted Confucianism therefore as a “portable tradition” that could in principle be applied in any society. This feature appears to contradict the fact that Confucianism as a historical and political ideology was often very rigid, conservative, and even reactionary. In this paper I will argue that these two seemingly paradoxical features of Confucianism are not that contradictory at all and that while Confucianism’s adaptive character certainly enabled it to take hold in societies outside of China, it also contributed to its adoption of morally questionable parochial values and practices.
Keywords: Confucianism, Adaptations, Transformations, Boston Confucians, paradoxical imaginaries 

Téa Sernelj, University of Ljubljana: The Janus-Headed structure of the Confucian Subjectivity and its connection to East Asian Ideologies of Meritocracy
This paper delves into the intricate nature of Confucian subjectivity, drawing from the binary concept of neisheng waiwang 内圣外王 (Inner Sage and Outer King). Throughout the course of Chinese intellectual history, this concept has been instrumental in distinguishing between the empirical and transcendental aspects of the human subject. Initially introduced by Zhuangzi, it later resonated strongly with Confucian scholars. Its significance transcended the classical era, extending its influence into Neo-Confucianism through which its unique fusion of inner morality and external pragmatics was introduced to societies in Korea, Japan, and Vietnam, where it became assimilated into broader ethical and symbolic frameworks of these regions. Subsequently, in the theories of Modern New Confucians, this concept experienced a resurgence, assuming a pivotal role in theoretical discourses on subjectivity and political philosophy. Drawing on a rich tapestry of their works, I will illuminate the binary nature of Confucian subjectivity, which embodies both inner moral cultivation and outer political awareness.  By dissecting this Janus-headed structure, my presentation reveals the role of neisheng waiwang内圣外王 in shaping pre-modern and modern governance in East Asia. Modern Confucian interpretations demonstrate how this fusion of personal virtue and benevolent rule has impacted East Asian meritocracies. This presentation offers a comprehensive examination of how and why certain principles from original Confucian teachings could be creatively transformed and modified without losing their embeddedness into the paradigmatic Confucian framework.
Keywords: Confucian subjectivity, inner sage and outer ruler, empirical and transcendental self, meritoracies

PART 2 (PANEL B):
De- and Recontextualisations of Confucianism
Marko Ogrizek, University of Ljubljana: De- and Recontextualization of Chinese Confucianism in Japan 
Confucianism cannot be simply categorized as a philosophical tradition; however, it undeniably embodies crucial elements of an ethical philosophy. These ethical principles have consistently transcended both the historical and cultural boundaries of the originally Chinese Confucian tradition. This presentation aims to provide a critical analysis of these processes in Japan through the perspective of contemporary Taiwanese scholar Huang Chun-chieh. Huang argues that it is more appropriate to speak of "Confucianisms" in the plural form, emphasizing that core Confucian values and concepts have the capacity to adapt when moving from one context to another while preserving certain characteristics and evolving others. To truly understand and study Confucianisms, an interdisciplinary approach is essential, aligning with the evolving paradigm of East Asian Confucianisms. In this context, philosophy plays a significant role. Taking into account its modifications in Eastern Asia and beyond, which still play a significant role in contemporary societies of the Sinic region, a broader and more diverse range of expressions of Confucian thought emerges. Illustrated by the work of Itō Jinsai and Ogyū Sorai, this presentation will thus demonstrate the processes of de- and recontextualization of Confucian teachings in Japan during the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
Keywords: Confucianisms, Decontextualization, Recontextualization, Huang Chun-chieh, Itō Jinsai, Ogyū Sorai

Margus Ott, University of Tallin: Contextualizing and decontextualizing tendencies in the Chinese tradition
This paper begins with the premise that Confucianism qualifies as a "portable tradition" owing to its inherent contextual and situational nature. It explores the foundational principles and implications associated with this contextualization. Confucian philosophical tradition places significant emphasis on contextualization, emphasizing the need for one's behavior to align effectively with the prevailing situation and time. However, achieving this requires a process of training and cultivation. For example, individuals engage in the pursuit of the six arts and the acquisition of knowledge from classical texts. Notably, these pursuits initially induce a state of decontextualization, characterized by initial clumsiness in performance and difficulties in memorizing texts. However, they subsequently pave the way for a more contextual approach through a process of renewed recontextualization. In contrast, Mohists and Legalists highlight the importance of universality and decontextualization, aiming to liberate individuals from parochial, nepotistic, and egoistic inclinations. Nevertheless, it remains impossible to entirely detach oneself from certain factors, such as the contingencies of birth and development and one's unique perspective. The attainment of freedom and spiritual growth can occur through both contextualization and decontextualization. In fact, these two tendencies are interdependent, engaging in a productive dialectical relationship where they mutually stimulate one another. This fusion of attention to context, de- and recontextualization has not only enriched Confucianism but has also facilitated its smooth transition to other regions.
Keywords: contextualization, portable tradition, adaptability, cultivation

Byoung Yoong Kang, University of Ljubljana: Modernizing Confucianism in the Korean Context
Since the 4th Century, the principles of Confucianism have been embraced by Korean dynasties. The study of classic Confucian texts held a significant place in education and was a crucial component of state administration entrance examinations. The adoption of Confucianism not only demonstrated ancient Korea's openness to incorporating aspects of Chinese culture but also left an indelible mark on traditional Korean society. However, this adoption was associated with specific adaptations of the original teachings. These adaptations underwent a process of initial decontextualization and subsequent recontextualization to align with the demands and cultural context of Korean society. This presentation delves into the distinctive characteristics of Korean Confucianism, exploring the prerequisites necessary for its contemporary relevance and examining the traditions it has transmitted to modern-day Korea. The author poses the following pivotal questions: What sets apart the distinctive features of Korean Confucianism when compared to the original Chinese teachings? What conditions must contemporary Korean Confucianism satisfy to align with today's Korean society? What enduring traditions has Korean Confucianism imparted to contemporary development? In conclusion, the author will scrutinize key elements put forth by Korean Modern New Confucians in their pursuit of effective strategies to revitalize Korean Confucianism. This examination will primarily center on the modernization of Korean studies of Confucian rituality (li 禮), the contemporary adaptation of ancestral rites, and the development of alternative theories for self-cultivation in the contemporary context.
Keywords: Korean Confucianism, Modernization of rituality (li 禮) studies, adaptation of Confucian classics, Self-cultivation theories

ROŠKER, Jana S. Sublating original Confucianism : towards a new meta-confucian paradigm. V: Book of abstracts : The 25th Biennial Conference of The European Association for Chinese Studies (EACS), Tallinn University, 27th–30th August, 2024. [S. l: s. n.], 2024. Str.67. https://konverentsikeskus.tlu.ee/sites/konverentsikeskus/files/Konverentsid/EACS/August/EACS%20RAAMAT%202024%20(PDF%20only)_rev_25.08.2024.pdf. [COBISS.SI-ID 208574467]

SERNELJ, Tea. The Janus-headed structure of the Confucian subjectivity and its connection to East Asian ideologies of meritocracy. V: Book of abstracts : The 25th Biennial Conference of The European Association for Chinese Studies (EACS), Tallinn University, 27th–30th August, 2024. [S. l: s. n.], 2024. Str. 67. https://konverentsikeskus.tlu.ee/sites/konverentsikeskus/files/Konverentsid/EACS/August/EACS%20RAAMAT%202024%20(PDF%20only)_rev_25.08.2024.pdf. [COBISS.SI-ID 208578307]

OGRIZEK, Marko. De- and recontextualization of Chinese Confucianism in Japan. V: Book of abstracts : The 25th Biennial Conference of The European Association for Chinese Studies (EACS), Tallinn University, 27th–30th August, 2024. [S. l: s. n.], 2024. Str. 64. https://konverentsikeskus.tlu.ee/sites/konverentsikeskus/files/Konverentsid/EACS/August/EACS%20RAAMAT%202024%20(PDF%20only)_rev_25.08.2024.pdf. [COBISS.SI-ID 221349635]

KANG, Byoung Yoong. Modernizing Confucianism in the Korean context. V: Book of abstracts : The 25th Biennial Conference of The European Association for Chinese Studies (EACS), Tallinn University, 27th–30th August, 2024. [S. l: s. n.], 2024. Str. 63. https://konverentsikeskus.tlu.ee/sites/konverentsikeskus/files/Konverentsid/EACS/August/EACS%20RAAMAT%202024%20(PDF%20only)_rev_25.08.2024.pdf. [COBISS.SI-ID 221353475]

SERNELJ, Tea. Emotions in Confucian rituality: Li Zehou’s reconception : prispevek na konferenci Between Confucianism and the Future: Emotion, Freedom and Relationships, Seoul, Korea, 31. 10 do 2. 11. 2024. [COBISS.SI-ID 217342723]

SERNELJ, Tea. Inner sage and external ruler (內聖外王): the dual nature of Confucian subjectivity and its relation to East Asian political philosophy : prispevek na konferenci Chinese Studies and Global Cultural Changes. Hermeneutics of Multilinguisticality between Translations and Interpretations, Poznan 17. 10.-18. 10. 2024. [COBISS.SI-ID 216244995]

SERNELJ, Tea. Konfucijanski preporod in njegov vpliv na sodobne vzhodnoazijske družbe : prispevek na Simpoziju o razvoju konfucijanstva in sinologije v Sloveniji EARL, Ljubljana, 15. 11. 2024. [COBISS.SI-ID 217340931]

SERNELJ, Tea. The traumatic socio-political circumstances in the Wei Jin period and healing through intellectual creativity and aesthetic way of living : prispevek na konferenci 12th East-west philosophers’ conference, Honolulu, University of Hawaii, 28. 5. 2024. [COBISS.SI-ID 200266755]

SERNELJ, Tea. Yijing in Chinese aesthetics: Shitao's theory of the holistic brushstroke : prispevek na svetovnem kongresu filozofije, Rim, 1. 8. - 8. 8. 2024. [COBISS.SI-ID 208581123]

ROŠKER, Jana S. Anxiety in China and Europe: sublating Heidegger’s angst and Xu Fuguan’s youhuan yish : prispevek na konferenci The 4th Biennial Conference of the World Consortium of Researhc in Confucian Cultures: Between Confucianism and the Future – Emotion, Freedom, and Relationships, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea, 2. 11. 2024. [COBISS.SI-ID 217345027]

ROŠKER, Jana S. Book presentation Jana S. Rošker: Interpreting Chinese philosophy: a new methodology : prispevek na konferenci »XXV World Congress of Philosophy, Philosophy across Boundaries« v Rimu, 01. – 10. avgust 2024. [COBISS.SI-ID 204679427]

ROŠKER, Jana S. Chinese philosophy, transcultural (post)comparative approaches, and the method of sublation : prispevek na konferenci »XXV World Congress of Philosophy, Philosophy across Boundaries« v Rimu, 01. – 10. avgust 2024. [COBISS.SI-ID 204679683]

ROŠKER, Jana S. Critique as trauma and understanding as healing: Nishida Kitarō’s and Wang Bi’s views on the traditional Chinese dialectical model : Prispevek na konferenci 12th East-west philosophers’ conference, Honolulu, University of Hawaii, 28. 5. 2024. [COBISS.SI-ID 197549571]

ROŠKER, Jana S. Sublating anxiety: Heidegger's notion of angst, and Xu Fuguan thesis of Youhuan Yishi : prispevek na konferenci »Heidegger and Daoism«, Bratislava, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 22. 05. 2024. [COBISS.SI-ID 196916995]

ROŠKER, Jana S. Kant's journey to China : the sinisation of transcendental philosoph : prispevek na mednarodni konferenci »The 300 years of Kant: From parochial to global contexts«, Centre for Humanities, ZRS Koper Friday, November 8, 2024. https://www.sfd-drustvo.si/2993-2/. [COBISS.SI-ID 214596099]

ROŠKER, Jana S. Sublating Confucian relationism: towards a new planetary ethic : uvodni plenarni govor na konferenci Sinology in the Planetary Era na Univerzi Tokio, Oddelek za kitajsko družbo in kulturo 7. – 8. julij 2024. [COBISS.SI-ID 201405955]

ROŠKER, Jana S. Sublating different theories of structural perception: Zhang Dongsun and Bertrand Russell : prispevek na mednarodnem simpoziju »Academie du Midi« v Alet-les-Bains, Francija 10. – 14- junij 2024. [COBISS.SI-ID 199040259]

ROŠKER, Jana S. Teaching through sublation: political and philosophical Confucianism : predavanje na mednarodni delavnici Global Chinese Philosophy European Perspectives International Workshop 17 February, 2024, FU Berlin. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NW_YM7M36zw. [COBISS.SI-ID 186284035]

ROŠKER, Jana S. Transcultural studies and the method of sublation : prispevek na mednarodni konferenci “Chinese Studies and Global Cultural Changes. Hermeneutics of Multilinguisticality between Translations and Interpretations”, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poljska , 17-18 oktober 2024. [COBISS.SI-ID 212372995]

ROŠKER, Jana S. Transkulturna sublacija časa : razmerje med prihodnostjo in resničnostjo v Avguštinovih izpovedih in v moističnem kanonu : predavanje na Filozofskem maratonu 2024 "Filozofija & religija", Filozofska fakulteta v Ljubljani, Oddelek za filozofijo, Študentsko filozofsko društvo, Ljubljana, 18.-22. 11. 2024. [COBISS.SI-ID 220106243]

DECEMBER 2024 

Slovenski opis:  

Vabljeno gostujoče predavanje tujega profesorja: Vodja projekta Tea Sernelj je v sodelovanju z članoma projektne skupine Jano Rošker in Marka Ogrizka na Univerzi v Ljubljani organizirala gostujoče predavanje profesorja Heinerja Roetza iz Rurske Unvierze v Bochumu. Predavanje, ki je bilo 11.12.2023 v Zbornični dvorani Univerze v Ljubljani, je kritično obravnavalo interpretacijo Japersove teorije osnega obdobja s strani Eisenstadtove Teorijo mnogoterih modernosti. Predavatelj je izpostavil pomen transkulturnih transformacij v Vzhodni Aziji, predvsem na razpotju med tradicijo in moderno dobo. Pokazal je, da je tradicionalno konfucijanstvo razvilo idejo kritičnega subjekta že v osnem obdobju, t.j. v šestem stoletju pred našim štetjem. Ta ideja se je ohranila v konfucijanski filozofiji vse do danes in predstavlja vitalni vidik konfucijanstva, ki ga velja ohraniti in razvijati tudi v bodočnosti, kajti v tem okviru nosi v sebi velik potencial za obogatitev in kritično prevetritev nove globalne etike. Predavanje je bilo tesno povezano s temeljnimi vsebinskimi cilji projekta, saj je predavatelj jasno in znanstveno utemeljeno pokazal, da je konfucijanski preporod v današnji Vzhodni Aziji pomemben dejavnik za razvoj demokratičnih sistemov ne zgolj v omenjenih regijah, temveč tudi v drugih sodobnih družbah.  

English description: 

Invited Guest Lecture by a Foreign Professor: the project leader Tea Sernelj, in collaboration with project team members Jana Rošker and Marko Ogrizek have organized an invited guest lecture by Professor Heiner Roetz from the Ruhr University in Bochum. The lecture, held on December 11, 2023, in the Assembly Hall of the University of Ljubljana, critically discussed the interpretation of Jaspers' theory of the axial age by Eisenstadt's Theory of Multiple Modernities. The lecturer emphasized the importance of transcultural transformations in East Asia, especially at the crossroads between tradition and the modern era. He demonstrated that traditional Confucianism developed the idea of a critical subject already in the axial age, i.e., in the sixth century BC. This idea has been maintained in Confucian philosophy to this day and represents a vital aspect of Confucianism that should be preserved and developed in the future, as it carries great potential for enriching and critically revising a new global ethic. The lecture was closely linked to the fundamental content goals of the project, as the lecturer clearly and scientifically demonstrated that the Confucian revival in today's East Asia is an important factor in the development of democratic systems not only in the mentioned regions but also in other contemporary societies. 

Plakat (vabilo)/ Poster (invitation): 

2024. 1. Pregledni znanstveni članek: ROŠKER, Jana S. Research on the Confucian revival in Slovenia. Asian studies. [Print ed.]. 2024, vol. 12 (28), iss. 1, str. 287–304. ISSN 2232-5131.  https://journals.uni-lj.si/as/article/view/16183/15267, https://repozitorij.uni-lj.si/IzpisGradiva.php?id=154132.

Povzetek članka:

Projektna sodelavka Jana Rošker je v mednarodni znanstveni reviji Asian Studies objavila pregled obstoječega materiala, ki tvori del osnovnih doslej opravljenih študij, na katerih bo temeljilo raziskovalno delo pričujočega projekta, katerega vodja je Tea Sernelj. Članek prikaže, da je bilo v  Sloveniji  doslej opravljenih  veliko osnovnih  pionirskih raziskav  konfucijanskega  preporoda,  zlasti  od  leta  2012 oz. 2014, ko sta bila odobrena prva dva raziskovalna projekta na sorodne teme. Člani in članice Oddelka za azijske študije na Filozofski fakulteti Univerze v Ljubljani so odtlej kontinuirano izvajali raziskovalno delo tako v Sloveniji kot tudi v različnih kitajskih, tajvanskih in vzhodnoazijskih arhivih in knjižnicah. Te študije so privedle do vrste pomembnih publikacij v slovenščini, angleščini in celo v kitajščini, ki predstavljajo rezultate kontinuiranih  prizadevanj,  ki  se  nadaljujejo  še  danes v okviru pričujočega projekta in predstavljajo dragoceno osnovo za bolj specializirano raziskovalno delo,  ki je posvečeno širitvi modernega konfucijanstva iz Kitajske v Vzhodno Azijo.

Cilj tega preglednega članka je torej pripraviti pregled doslej opravljenih raziskav kot osnovo specializiranih raziskav v okviru pričujočega projekta. Članek povzema ključne dosežke slovenskih raziskav na širšem področju konfucijanstva nasploh, ter  zagotavlja  celovit  pregled  različnih  raziskovalnih  dejavnosti  in  publikacij  v  Sloveniji,  povezanih  s  klasičnim, pa tudi sodobnim  konfucijanstvom.  Obravnava  ne  le  raziskave  o  preporodu konfucijanstva na Kitajskem in v širši vzhodnoazijski regiji, temveč tudi nekaj pionirskih preliminarnih študij konfucianizma v drugih vzhodnoazijskih regijah in na širšem območju Vzhodne Azije.

Članek predstavlja dragocen vir informacij in nujni del osnovne materialne oz. bibliografske podlage za raziskovalno delo v okviru pričujočega projekta.  

Ključne besede: moderno novo konfucijanstvo, konfucijanski preporod, moderna kitajska filozofija, vzhodnoazijsko konfucijanstvo, kitajske študije v Sloveniji, slovenska sinologija, kitajska filozofija v Sloveniji

Asian Studies: Social Transformation in Sinitic Intellectual Tradition

https://journals.uni-lj.si/as/issue/view/1271

Posebna števila znanstvene revije Asian Studies z naslovom Družbene transformacije v siniški idejni zgodovini (Social Transformation in Sinitic Intellectual Tradition), katere glavna urednica (Jana S. Rošker) in gostujoča urednica (Tea Sernelj) sta članici projektne skupine,  raziskuje zapleten odnos med posameznikom in državo, ki predstavlja tematsko področje, ki globoko resonira v analih azijske misli. Ta odnos, za katerega je značilen razvijajoči se dialog med osebno avtonomijo in državno oblastjo, služi kot ozadje za razprave, predstavljene v tej številki. Vsak članek prispeva k širšemu razumevanju tega, kako so si posamezniki in posameznice izborili svoj prostor znotraj struktur, ki so jih vsiljevale državne ideologije, ter kako so nanje vplivali in jih preoblikovali.

V današnjem svetu je pomen vzhodnoazijskih idejnih tradicij, zlasti konfucijanstva, še vedno zelo velik. Konfucijanska filozofija s poudarkom na etiki, upravljanju in družbeni harmoniji, ponuja dragocene vpoglede v ravnovesje med individualnimi pravicami in kolektivnimi odgovornostmi. Ker se družbe po vsem svetu soočajo z izzivi, povezanimi z upravljanjem, socialno pravičnostjo in kulturno integracijo, filozofska načela konfucijanstva zagotavljajo okvir za obravnavanje teh vprašanj na način, ki spodbuja družbeno blaginjo in etično upravljanje. 

Publikacija je razdeljena v štiri tematske sklope, med katerimi vsak poudarja različne vidike siniške idejne zgodovine. 

Prispevki v tej posebni številki ne poglabljajo le našega razumevanje zgodovinskih in filozofskih perspektiv, ampak tudi premoščajo pretekla spoznanja na osnovi sodobnih vprašanj. Od raziskovanja temeljnih besedil in filozofskih razprav antičnih časov do obravnavanja sodobnih reinterpretacij in izzivov, publikacija vabi bralce in bralke k razmisleku o nenehnem razvoju in preoblikovanju odnosa med posameznikom in državo. Z raznoliko paleto pristopov in tem publikacija poudarja bogato idejno dediščino Azije in njen pomen za globalne razprave o družbeni transformaciji in delovanju posameznika v soočenju z močjo države. 

OGRIZEK, Marko (urednik, prevajalec). Foundations and futures: East Asian intellectual, political and linguistic landscapes. 1. izd. Ljubljana: Založba Univerze: = University of Ljubljana Press, 2025. Zbirka Studia Humanitatis Asiatica. ISBN 978-961-297-482-4. ISSN 2463-8900. [COBISS.SI-ID 217930499]