Speaker: Lee Ting-mien

Time: 4 pm CET, 7 and 14 December

Lee Ting-mien is a Professor in the Philosophy and Religious Studies program at the University of Macau. She holds a PhD in Chinese Studies from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, where she researched the meaning of Ru-Mo 儒墨 in Early Chinese Texts. Her research interests lie in classical Chinese philosophy, especially the ethics of inter-state relations. In her publications, she often bridges the gap from these classical themes to contemporary issues of international relations and global order, calling ancient philosophy into current contexts. She has recently published a new edited volume The Many Lives of Yang Zhu with Carine Defoort in 2022, as well as several articles on key issues in current political philosophy in the PRC.

Lecture 1:

Tracing Echoes of 19th Century Proposals: Confucianism as State Religion in Contemporary Mainland China

The current intellectual trend advocating for Confucianism as a civil or state religion might be perceived as cultural conservatism or nationalism. However, by delving into its references to late-Qing political thought, a distinct dimension emerges — one focused on the socio-political functions of Confucianism rather than its philosophical or religious beliefs. This lecture aims to uncover the intended functions behind the modern push for Confucianism as a state-sponsored religion, drawing parallels with the late-Qing reform movement.

Lecture 2:

Chinese Philosophy Unveiled: Decoding State Propaganda in Contemporary China Study

This lecture redefines sinology as a method for studying contemporary China, emphasizing its application as a tool rather than just a scholarly pursuit. It demonstrates the utilization of Chinese philosophy knowledge to interpret enigmatic and elusive phrases found in Beijing’s propaganda messages. The illustration underscores the importance of a robust sinological background in the field of China Studies, showcasing its role in unraveling the complexities of state propaganda.