W&M-BNU Faculty Forum focus on Confucian Classics

Prof. Kang from BNU is explaining why Kung Fu is non-violent.


Faculty scholars from two prestigious universities joined forces on Tuesday, April 17, to engage in a scholarly dialogue and debate on Confucian classics.





The forum kicked off with a keynote speech comparing conceptions of time in Western and traditional Confucian philosophy given by Stephen E. Hanson, vice provost for international affairs and director of the Reves Center. The traditional theme of Confucian Classics transitioned over to the first panel, which discussed the Book of Changes or Yi jing (I Ching). This ancient book is highly regarded in China, said Tang, and is still used by the Chinese people today to derive their ideas, worldviews, spirits and values of life.


Wangeng Zheng, a top scholar of Yi jing study in China, and Xin Wu, William & Mary’s assistant professor of art & art history, joined Tang for the panel. ‪Zheng discussed Yi jing’s overall influence on Chinese culture, Tang looked at how it has shaped Chinese thought patterns, and Wu discussed shu yuan, or Confucian Academies, where Confucian classics, including Yi jing, were taught and transmitted.

At 3:30 p.m. the second panel shifted to Confucianism and its influence in China and neighboring Japan. W&M Japanese Studies Professors Tomoko Connolly and Eric Han were joined by BNU’s Zhen Kang, a celebrity figure in China known for his talks on the TV show, “Platform for 100 Schools”(Bai jia jiang tan). Connolly, who specializes in cultural anthropology, talked about the influence of Confucianism in Japan while Han, who hails from the history department, focused on Confucianism and its reception at the turn of the century. Kang offered insight into the Confucian influence on martial arts.

The final panel begined at 5 p.m. and caped the forum with an examination of Confucianism and its influence in modern China. T.J. Cheng, W&M professor of government, brought a unique voice to the panel analyzing Confucianism through an economic and political lens. Visiting professor Emily Wilcox, who specializes in dance, discussed how Confucianism has influenced Chinese dance and pop culture. Zhen Han, the vice president of BNU, outlined general characteristics of Chinese philosophy and provided concluding remarks.

