Beyond Self and Species: Zhuangzi’s Non-Dual Vision and the Moral Status of Animals

Vandana Sharma Diya (University of Delhi)

International Conference Ethics in Chinese Philosophy, HKUST  

To celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), the Division of Humanities is organizing a conference titled "Ethics in Chinese Philosophy," which will take place on March 20-21, 2026 (Friday and Saturday) at HKUST.   

We plan to collect presentation papers and publish them in a special issue of the journal Asian Studies, ensuring that the insights gained during the conference reach a broader audience and contribute to ongoing scholarly discussions.

Potential topics include: ·     Various schools of thought within Chinese philosophy, including Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism, with a focus on their distinct ethical frameworks and contributions.

·      Contemporary ethical issues that explore how traditional Chinese ethical theories can inform and address modern challenges, including:

o    Technology: Ethics, AI and Chinese philosophy; algorithmic bias; data security and privacy; and the impact of social media on mental health.

o    Healthcare: Medical ethics and Chinese philosophy; Transhumanism; Euthanasia, abortion, end-of-life care; and the ethical considerations surrounding new medical technologies.

o    Social Issues: Discrimination based on race, gender, or sexual orientation; social justice; and the responsible use of social media.

o    Education: Cheating and plagiarism; bullying; equitable access to resources; and the ethical implications of technology in the classroom.

o    Business: Fair trade practices; responsible advertising; conflicts of interest; data privacy; and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in the workplace.  

We have a limited number of spaces available for postgraduate presentations. Interested individuals are invited to submit an abstract of no more than 500 words and a CV to ([email protected]) for the selection process by November 30, 2025. The results of the selection will be announced in December 2025.