Organic Process Philosophy and Constructive Postmodern Philosophy are highly influential philosophical and cultural trends in the contemporary West, exerting broad impact in fields such as philosophy, science, culture, economics, education, and ecological civilization. Due to their profound resonance with Chinese culture, they have also garnered significant attention within Chinese academia. Ecological civilization represents the prevailing trend of global development and is fundamental to the sustainable development of the Chinese nation. To enable Chinese scholars and all those committed to building ecological civilization (ecologists) to systematically understand the foundational theories of contemporary Western process philosophy and constructive postmodernism—particularly their theoretical and practical significance for constructing ecological civilization, reviving national studies (Guoxue), advancing educational reform, and building China's autonomous discourse system—the International Symposium on Organic Process Philosophy, Traditional Chinese Culture, and Ecological Civilization & The 18th Process Summer Academy will be held at the School of Marxism, Zhejiang Normal University (ZJNU) from July 1st to 8th, 2025.This symposium is hosted by the School of Marxism, Zhejiang Normal University and the Institute for Advanced Humanistic Studies, Zhejiang Normal University, and co-organized by the Center for Whitehead Studies, Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College (UIC).
Conference Theme: Organic Process Philosophy, Traditional Chinese Culture, and Ecological Civilization.
lDialogue between Process Philosophy and Chinese Traditional Thought
Focusing on the ideas of process philosophy characterized by interconnectedness of all things, dynamic becoming, and organic wholeness, this section explores how these concepts form theoretical resonance and methodological mutual learning with Chinese traditional philosophy (such as the Confucian concept of harmony between heaven and humanity and the Daoist idea of Dao following nature).
lTheoretical Resources for Ecological Civilization
This section systematically combes the enlightenment of organic process philosophy and Chinese traditional wisdom for ecological civilization construction, and excavates their contemporary values in fields such as ecological ethics and sustainable development.
lPractical Pathways of Constructive Postmodernism
This section explores how process philosophy and constructive postmodernism can provide innovative solutions to global ecological crises and promote a paradigm shift toward harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.
The concurrent Summer Workshop is designed for scholars and young researchers in the fields of process philosophy, constructive postmodernism, and ecological civilization studies. It will offer deep learning through three modules:
lTheoretical Foundations:
Systematic lectures on classic process philosophy theories and cutting-edge perspectives on ecological civilization by authoritative scholars.
lCross-Cultural Dialogue:
Analyzing points of convergence between traditional thought and contemporary ecological philosophy from a comparative Chinese-Western perspective.
lPractical Application:
Exploring the practical application of theories through case studies (e.g., ecological governance, green technology).
This event aims to build a dual platform for academic exchange and talent cultivation, promoting the creative integration of process thinking, traditional cultural wisdom, and ecological civilization. The detailed arrangements are as follows:
I. Schedule
lJuly 1: Registration for participants and workshop attendees. Location: ZJNU International Exchange Center (688 Yingbin Avenue, Xinshi Subdistrict, Wucheng District, Jinhua City, Zhejiang Province).
lJuly 2: International Symposium on Organic Process Philosophy, Traditional Chinese Culture, and Ecological Civilization.
lJuly 3-8: The 18th Process Summer Academy.
Faculty:
Prof. Fan Meijun (Dean, Cobb Eco-Academy)
Prof. Jay McDaniel (Director, Center for Process Studies, USA)
Prof. Wang Zhihe (Executive Vice President, Institute for Postmodern Development of China, USA)
Prof. Sean Esbjörn-Hargens (Expert in Interdisciplinary Studies, California Institute of Integral Studies)
Dr. Andrew Schwartz (Executive Director, Center for Organic Process Philosophy, Seattle, USA)
Prof. John B. Cobb, Jr. (Professor Emeritus, Claremont School of Theology; Professor, California State University, Long Beach)
Prof. Guo Haipeng (Dean, Division of General Education, UIC)
Prof. Yang Fubin (Distinguished Professor, Center for Whitehead Studies, UIC; Silver-Haired Professor, Boya College, Guangzhou Nanfang College)
Prof. Yang Li (Professor, Doctoral Supervisor, School of Educational Science, Harbin Normal University)
Prof. Wang Yin (Dean, School of Marxism, ZJNU)
lJuly 8: Workshop Closing.
II. Venue
School of Marxism, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China.
III. Participation
lRegistration:
Scan the QR code and submit the registration form. The list of accepted participants will be announced within one week. (Note:* Participation in the Symposium and the Workshop is separate. Registration deadline: June 18, 2025.)
lFees:
Both the International Symposium and the Workshop are free to attend. Participants are responsible for their own accommodation, meals, and travel expenses.
lAccommodation:
The organizer has arranged discounted rates at nearby hotels. Rooms are limited. Please indicate your accommodation needs during registration. Hotel Address: ZJNU International Exchange Center (688 Yingbin Avenue, Xinshi Subdistrict, Wucheng District, Jinhua City, Zhejiang Province).
IV. Contact Information
lContacts:
Ying Yaxuan: 17857090262
Jiang Wenjing: 15657906312
Guo Quanyu: 13523217371
lMail: mksxy@zjnu.cn