Amidst the variety of autumn events, special attention was given to the lecture "Free Will, Luck, and Meaning: Chinese Philosophical Perspectives on Making Sense of our Lives" delivered by Professor Dr. Paul J. D'Ambrosio, a professor of Chinese philosophy that was held on September 11th.
It is important to mention that this scholar is a member of our partner institution, the Institute of Modern Chinese Thought and Culture at East China Normal University in Shanghai, the head of the international master's program in Chinese philosophy, and the Dean of the Center for Intercultural Studies.
The lecture explored Chinese philosophical perspectives on concepts such as free will, luck, and meaning. It emphasized how these concepts are perceived in Western philosophy, highlighting that everything is interconnected and influenced by external conditions.
However, the speaker primarily focused on free will and meaning, acknowledging luck as a background theme.
What is "free will"? According to the professor, it is a person's ability to choose actions without prior causes. The discussion then addressed limitations such as economic conditions and personal circumstances that impact free will.
Looking at early Chinese thoughts on free will, it was stated that early Chinese philosophy does not consider free will distinct from determinism.
Confucius's perspective on humanity is also important. Confucius's sayings were shared, emphasizing responsibility, discussing moral actions, the importance of learning, and the role of rituals in the context of community.
Professor D'Ambrosio's lecture effectively engaged the audience in a deep discussion of free will, luck, and meaning within Chinese philosophical traditions. By deconstructing dominant Western individualistic concepts through the lens of interconnectedness, he encouraged listeners to reconsider their own frameworks of responsibility and moral decision-making.
At the end of the lecture, attendees were invited to participate in a discussion.
We hope that such events encourage further exploration of Chinese philosophy and active application of these insights in daily interactions to achieve a more meaningful life.
You can listen to the lecture recording