More than 30 Chinese philosophers and foreign experts from 20 countries worldwide discussed the current state and future direction of philosophy at the International Conference on Philosophy which opened in Beijing Tuesday.
The meeting, co-sponsored by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) and the Federation of International Societies of Philosophy (FISP), aims to strengthen links between Chinese and international philosophies, and boost cooperation among philosophers.
During the two-day meeting experts will explore common issues, including the prospects for philosophy in the 21st century, and dialogue and cooperation between Eastern and Western philosophies.
FISP also held its executive council meeting during the conference. As the best-known global non-government group of philosophers, FISP was founded in 1948 with members from a number of regional and international philosophical research institutes. The Institute of Philosophy of CASS (IPCASS) is an official member of FISP.
According to the organizers, Chinese participants are mainly academics and teaching staff at colleges of philosophy or departments of prestigious Chinese universities and IPCASS.
This international workshop, said some experts, would help promote communication between China and foreign countries, and improve China's teaching of philosophy.
(Xinhua News Agency October 8, 2002)