SLC New Colleagues Research Seminar Series

The Formation Process of Xiong Shili’s Philosophical System of Reality and Function

Dr Yu Sang (Chinese Studies)

Friday, 21 October 3pm AEDT (Sydney time)

Abstract

Xiong Shili 熊十力 (1885-1968) was one of the most influential Chinese philosophers of the 20th century, and he is generally considered to be a founding figure of New Confucianism. Xiong’s metaphysics focuses mainly on the concepts of Reality (ti 體) and Function (yong 用) – one of the key conceptual polarities in traditional Chinese philosophy. His mature ti–yong philosophical system was established and consolidated in the 1930s, and it experienced a formation process beginning from 1920. Clarifying this process helps us comprehend Xiong’s whole philosophical system more thoroughly. It also contributes to our understanding of New Confucian philosophy and its early development. This talk discusses this process, paying particular attention to how Xiong’s thought changed and developed over this period and what sources he drew upon to elucidate his ideas.

About the speaker

Dr Yu Sang is Academic Fellow in Chinese Studies at the School of Languages and Cultures. After obtaining her MA (Research) in Chinese Studies from The University of Sydney, she undertook her PhD in the intellectual history of modern Chinese philosophy at the Australian National University. While focusing primarily on New Confucianism, Yogācāra Buddhism, and the ti-yong 體用 conceptual polarity in traditional Chinese philosophy, she has a broader research interest in Chinese philosophy and religion, as well as the intellectual history in modern China. Her first book, Xiong Shili’s Understanding of Reality and Function, 1920-1937, was published by Brill in 2020. It is the first English-language monograph entirely on the metaphysics of Xiong Shili 熊十力 (1885-1968) – a founding figure of the modern New Confucian school.

SLC New Colleagues Research Seminar Series

This series of new colleague lectures is presented by the SLC Research Committee to welcome newcomers in research positions. Presentations allow school colleagues and the wider community to get to know the research interests of recent arrivals.

Join online via Zoom

For more information, contact:
Dr Josh Stenberg (josh.stenberg@sydney.edu.au)
Dr Yu Sang (yu.sang@sydney.edu.au)

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