Global Thinkers Converge at 2025 Intercultural Philosophy Summer School

Sino Turkish
13 June 2025

In the heart of this year’s academic summer season, the 2025 Summer School in Philosophy brought together an exceptional lineup of scholars to explore the intersections of Chinese, Western, and comparative philosophical thought. Organized under the banner of intercultural engagement and critical dialogue, this year’s event featured ten distinguished speakers from leading institutions across Europe and Asia. Their contributions reflect the Summer School’s mission: to foster a new generation of scholars deeply rooted in both tradition and innovation.

A Diverse Lineup of Global Minds

The speaker roster reads like a who’s who of intercultural philosophy. Dimitra Amarantidou from the University of Macau opened discussions with her work on irony, paradox, and affect in classical and contemporary Chinese thought. Her recent publications focus on feminist readings of Confucian concepts, engaging with the duality of gendered language and ethics.

Representing both Western and Chinese philosophical traditions, Fabian Heubel of Academia Sinica and the University of Derlin presented a research-rich account of how Daoist concepts of self-cultivation intersect with contemporary European ethical thought. His expertise in Confucianism, post-structuralism, and aesthetics positioned him as a key voice in the conversation around ethical pluralism.

His brother, Volker Heubel, brought his academic experience from Tongji University to the forefront, delving into Japanese aesthetics and comparative religious studies. His work spans European, Chinese, and Japanese traditions, with particular attention to the spiritual aesthetics of everyday life.

Karl Kraatz of Zhejiang University provided insights into hermeneutics and intercultural dialogue. A trained phenomenologist with a background in Gadamerian interpretation, his research spans phenomenology, psychoanalysis, and intercultural education.

Technology, Ontology, and Ethics in a Changing World

SUN Zhouxing, a Chair Professor at Zhejiang University, highlighted the urgent need to bridge philosophy and technology. As the editor-in-chief of multiple major Heidegger and Nietzsche volumes, Professor Sun’s focus on the systematic integration of classical thought into technological contexts set a thought-provoking tone. His presentation on “Future Philosophy” proposed frameworks for navigating modern society’s technological challenges without abandoning classical wisdom.

Deepening Intercultural Understanding

Bringing a Southern European voice to the conversation, Panagiotis Thanassas of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens offered a rich analysis of Presocratic philosophy, Plato, and Aristotle in relation to Chinese metaphysical frameworks. His comparative method underlined the thematic depth possible when Eastern and Western traditions are engaged side by side.

Wang Hongjian, a research fellow in hermeneutics and intercultural philosophy, and Niels Weidtmann, director of the Center for Interdisciplinary and Intercultural Studies at the University of Tübingen, jointly expanded the methodological toolbox for students. Their sessions explored how phenomenology and existentialism can support deeper cross-cultural understanding.

The Future of Intercultural Dialogue

Rounding off the lineup, Ziliang Zhenhua of Tongji University presented an introspective look into contemporary Chinese philosophical discourse. His session bridged classical Confucian texts with current debates in political philosophy, marking a critical point of reflection for participants eager to apply philosophical thinking to global crises.

More Than a Lecture Series

More than just an academic event, the 2025 Summer School functioned as a platform for intercultural synergy, encouraging emerging scholars to engage directly with philosophical traditions from across the globe. With rigorous lectures, dynamic Q&A sessions, and collaborative workshops, participants left equipped not only with knowledge, but also with a renewed sense of intellectual purpose in today’s interconnected world.

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Global Thinkers Converge at 2025 Intercultural Philosophy Summer School

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Explore the highlights of the 2025 Summer School in Philosophy featuring leading scholars in Chinese, Western, and comparative philosophy. A hub for intercultural dialogue.

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