Ecological ethics in Chinese philosophy

The Titus-Hepp Lecture Series and the Department of Philosophy welcome Yang Xiao presenting “Beyond Nature and Culture: Ecological Ethics in Chinese Philosophy.” In this talk, Xiao argues that we have not adequately understood the famous debate between Mencius and Xunzi regarding whether human nature is good. He will show that they actually have more things in common than we have imagined, one of which is an ecological approach in ethics that does not assume a dualism of nature and culture. He will also explore its implications for climate change, the most urgent ecological crisis of our time. Xiao is a professor of philosophy at Kenyon College. He is currently president of the International Society for Comparative Studies of Chinese and Western Philosophy. Complimentary refreshments will be served and all are welcome!