Papers in English and Chinese by Jana S . Rošker
Dao, 2026
This article offers a critical analysis of Li Chenyang's Reshaping Confucianism: A Progressive In... more This article offers a critical analysis of Li Chenyang's Reshaping Confucianism: A Progressive Inquiry, situating it within the broader discourse of progressive Confucianism. It explores how Li reinterprets classical Confucian concepts to address contemporary social, ethical, and political challenges through both historical and philosophical methodologies. The essay highlights Li Chenyang's principle of "progressive humanity," which integrates traditional moral insights with modern values. It further examines Li's intercultural and comparative strategies, exposing his dynamic reading of harmony (he 和) and gender equity through Confucian ethics. The author also engages with tensions between sentiment-based ethics and rational autonomy, especially in relation to feminist care ethics, drawing on Li Zehou's 李澤 厚 critiques. The analysis underscores the relevance of progressive Confucianism in shaping a globally inclusive ethical discourse and emphasizes its potential as a critical framework for addressing modern human and societal development.
Asian studies, 2025
The philosophical definition of the relationship between nothingness and emptiness continues to s... more The philosophical definition of the relationship between nothingness and emptiness continues to spark academic debates and controversies. In this article, we aim to clarify this relationship by examining some Chinese discourses relevant to the topic. The concept of absolute nothingness, as it was established in the Neo-Daoist philosophy of the Wei-Jin period in China-and reaching perhaps its most sophisticated form in the philosophy of Nishida Kitarō within the Kyoto School-must be distinguished from emptiness in the sense of the absence of substance, which forms the basis of various philosophical discussions in Sinicized Buddhism and continues to resonate in certain epistemological theories of contemporary Chinese scholars. In this paper, I will first provide a brief introduction to these theories of knowledge, with a particular focus on the contributions of the modern Chinese philosopher Zhang Dongsun, whose work was shaped by the classical Chinese paradigm of structural interrelations on the one hand, and the principles of Sinicized Buddhism on the other. In conclusion, I will juxtapose the theoretical foundations of these epistemologies with the aforementioned con ceptualizations of nothingness, thereby attempting to elucidate the relationship between these two seemingly related concepts.
L. Skof, M. Gorska (eds.), Handbook of Critical Respiratory Studies, Handbooks in Philosophy, 2026
This chapter explores the concept of breath (Qi 氣) in Chinese philosophy, emphasizing its intrins... more This chapter explores the concept of breath (Qi 氣) in Chinese philosophy, emphasizing its intrinsic link to the relational order of the cosmos (Li 理). In this context, breath serves as a metaphor for the vital force Qi, the energy that animates all living beings. The concept of Qi transcends the physical act of breathing, representing an invisible yet pervasive energy that flows through all existence and connects individuals to the universe. The rhythmic pulsation of Qi, embodying both breath and vital energy, mirrors the natural cycles of existence-day and night, the seasons, and the interplay of life and death. However, Qi does not exist in isolation but is intimately tied to Li, the structural principle that governs and patterns the universe. In ancient Chinese philosophy, Qi initially referred to a standalone concept, denoting vapor, air, and the universal breath that sustains and permeates all forms of organic existence. Over time, it gradually became part of a binary conceptual pair as Chinese thought deepened its focus on the dynamic interaction between breath and body, substantiality and pattern, energy and structure. This shift affirmed that the vitality of breath (Qi) and cosmic order (Li) are mutually dependent and inseparable in the continuous unfolding of existence. Just as human breath cannot manifest without the lungs to give it form and direction, Qi requires Li to shape its flow and coherence. By applying the so-called method of (post)comparative philosophical sublation, this chapter will illuminate the dialectical model of correlative complementarity, which underlies the integration of both concepts, revealing their tight interconnection and mutual interdependence.
Philosophia, 2025
Our understanding of time, including the future, is grounded in a universal perception shared acr... more Our understanding of time, including the future, is grounded in a universal perception shared across cultures. However, the ways in which this universal perception is comprehended differ significantly, shaped by the linguistic structures of various languages and the broader culturally conditioned frameworks of reference they are part of. These differences in comprehension give rise to diverse models of the future, offering unique insights into alternative perspectives on the metaphysics of time and its relation to the philosophy of action. This paper explores these alternative perspectives through a comparative analysis of the Later Mohist view from ancient Chinese thought and St Augustine's introspective framework, influential in Western philosophy. By employing the method of transcultural comparative sublation, the study uncovers the strengths and limitations of each perspective, showing how diverse approaches to time deepen our understanding of the future as both a realm of possibility and a structural feature of reality. This dialogue encourages critical reflection on human agency, ethics, and the role of time in shaping existence, potentially revealing new perspectives on their interconnections and implications.
Asian Philosophy, 2025
This paper aims to provide a comparative analysis of the philosophies of Li Zehou and Modern New ... more This paper aims to provide a comparative analysis of the philosophies of Li Zehou and Modern New Confucianism in terms of their perspectives on the history and modernity of China. Li Zehou's philosophy is widely recognized for its significant contribution to contemporary global philosophy and ethics. However, his ideas also reveal some unique characteristics of his Chinese modernization theory that are not very well known in the Western world. Similarly, the philosophy of Modern New Confucianism cannot be overlooked when discussing the Sinophone philosophy of the latter half of the 20 th century. By comparing the theories and approaches of these two prominent Chinese discourses, this paper seeks to identify the similarities and differences between their respective perspectives on the history and modernity of China. This comparative analysis will shed light on the distinctive features of these two important Chinese philosophical systems and offer insights into the development of Chinese thought in the contemporary global context.
Four Exemplars of Ru 儒 (Confucianism), 2025
We may describe Li Zehou and Henry Rosemont as examples of philosophers whose not just "compare."... more We may describe Li Zehou and Henry Rosemont as examples of philosophers whose not just "compare." Yet, there is a specific sense in which Li 's texts may still appear as "Chinese philosophy" and Rosemont's as "American." This causes difficulties which Jana Rošker's paper meditates on. The thinkers discussed in this volume might be "beyond comparison," but distinctive cultural elements remain. Many "comparative" interpretations of Li Zehou, Rošker argues, are methodologically Western, AQ1 but are still informed by traditional Chinese ideas. Specifically, she describes how Li Zehou interacts with Kant. Li's work as a "process of transforming the empirical into the transcendental can be seen as a kind of synthesis of empiricism and rationalism." This is, of course, problematic. Rošker summarizes: "Kant's system is completely incompatible with Li Zehou's philosophy." However, the latter still engages productively with the former through what Rošker calls the process of "the sublation of philosophy." If we respect differences and understand comparisons in this way, we better understand both Li's thought and comparative philosophy.
I will first describe the core principles that underpin the traditional Chinese perspective on te... more I will first describe the core principles that underpin the traditional Chinese perspective on temporality and future, focusing particularly on the Later Moist view. Then I will introduce the concept of time as developed by St. Augustine, whose work is central to Western philosophy because of its introspective examination of time as an inner, psychological experience, distinct from the more empirical approaches of his predecessors. This foundation in Augustine's thought provides a critical contrast to the Moist view and enriches our exploration of the subjective and objective dimensions of time. Through a comparative analysis of these two perspectives and the application of the method of transcultural comparative sublation, I aim to illuminate how different approaches to understanding future can shape human perceptions of realities.
Yearbook for Eastern and Western Philosophy, 2025
Abstract: Teaching Chinese philosophy requires moving beyond the perception of
Confucianism as ... more Abstract: Teaching Chinese philosophy requires moving beyond the perception of
Confucianism as a singular ideological entity. It should instead direct students to
understand its dual aspects: philosophical and political. Only through a profound
internalization of these distinctions can we accurately assess what is often hastily
labeled by many sociologists as a “meta-Confucian pattern”—a term that frequently
overlooks the historical complexities underlying Confucian political and philosophi
cal currents. This article demonstrates how the nuanced divide between political
and philosophical Confucianism unveils fresh perspectives on both the ancient and
contemporary Chinese context. Employing the transcultural sublation dialectic, it
provides a more informed and integrative approach to these two facets of Confu
cianism. By sublating these two streams, the study proposes a re-evaluation of the
traditional Chinese dichotomy between the transcendental and empirical self
(neisheng waiwang), thereby encouraging a more culturally sensitive engagement
with Chinese historical heritage, and contributing to the establishment of a global
philosophical dialogue
Confucianism as a singular ideological entity. It should instead direct students to
understand its dual aspects: philosophical and political. Only through a profound
internalization of these distinctions can we accurately assess what is often hastily
labeled by many sociologists as a “meta-Confucian pattern”—a term that frequently
overlooks the historical complexities underlying Confucian political and philosophi
cal currents. This article demonstrates how the nuanced divide between political
and philosophical Confucianism unveils fresh perspectives on both the ancient and
contemporary Chinese context. Employing the transcultural sublation dialectic, it
provides a more informed and integrative approach to these two facets of Confu
cianism. By sublating these two streams, the study proposes a re-evaluation of the
traditional Chinese dichotomy between the transcendental and empirical self
(neisheng waiwang), thereby encouraging a more culturally sensitive engagement
with Chinese historical heritage, and contributing to the establishment of a global
philosophical dialogue
Journal of Chinese Philosophy, 2025
I will first describe the core principles that underpin the traditional Chinese perspective on te... more I will first describe the core principles that underpin the traditional Chinese perspective on temporality and future, focusing particularly on the Later Moist view. Then I will introduce the concept of time as developed by St. Augustine, whose work is central to Western philosophy because of its introspective examination of time as an inner, psychological experience, distinct from the more empirical approaches of his predecessors. This foundation in Augustine's thought provides a critical contrast to the Moist view and enriches our exploration of the subjective and objective dimensions of time. Through a comparative analysis of these two perspectives and the application of the method of transcultural comparative sublation, I aim to illuminate how different approaches to understanding future can shape human perceptions of realities.
Asian Studies, 2025
This article aims to explore the existence of absolute nothingness within the Daoist framework. T... more This article aims to explore the existence of absolute nothingness within the Daoist framework. The inquiry will revolve around an imagined dialogue, juxtaposing the ideas of Nishida Kitarō and Wang Bi through a contrastive analysis employing the transcultural method of sublation. While Nishida asserted that his philosophy was underpinned only by Zen Buddhism and Western philosophy, we will illuminate the frequently overlooked but profoundly influential role of Chinese Daoism in shaping Nishida's concept of nothingness. It is no coincidence that Nishida himself appeared to be unaware of this Daoist influence, and I believe that this constitutes a flaw not only in Nishida's work, but also in its common reception. By comparing Nishida's and Wang's respective conceptualizations of a dynamic (or "moving") present, I will demonstrate that both theories depict time in a similar way, i.e. as emerging from the intimate "translocation" of reality. Building on this foundation, this analysis critiques Nishida's reductionist view that the Chinese (or Daoist) concept of nothingness is confined to a mere opposition of being, representing a simplistic dichotomy between being and non-being. Instead, I argue that Wang Bi's notion of original nothingness or fundamental absence (benwu 本無) offers a nuanced parallel to Nishida's concept of absolute nothingness (zettai mu 絶対無).
Journal of Chinese Philosophy, 2025
I will first describe the core principles that underpin the traditional Chinese perspective on te... more I will first describe the core principles that underpin the traditional Chinese perspective on temporality and future, focusing particularly on the Later Moist view. Then I will introduce the concept of time as developed by St. Augustine, whose work is central to Western philosophy because of its introspective examination of time as an inner, psychological experience, distinct from the more empirical approaches of his predecessors. This foundation in Augustine's thought provides a critical contrast to the Moist view and enriches our exploration of the subjective and objective dimensions of time. Through a comparative analysis of these two perspectives and the application of the method of transcultural comparative sublation, I aim to illuminate how different approaches to understanding future can shape human perceptions of realities.
Foundations and Futures: East Asian Intellectual, Political and Linguistic Landscapes Translated and edited by Marko Ogrizek, 2025
Through the lens of the contemporary ideologization of the classical philosophic term harmony (he... more Through the lens of the contemporary ideologization of the classical philosophic term harmony (he 和), the present article deals with the question of the relation between the Chinese tradition on the one side, and contemporary Chinese society on the other. First, it introduces the contemporary interpretation of the notion of harmony and reveals the reasons for its integration into the current revitalization of Confucianism. Through the analysis of classical Confucian texts, it then shows that the current interpretation is not founded upon the proto-democratic elements of original Confucianism, but rather upon the autocratic and state-generating line of Confucianism that was developed by Xunzi,
Polylogue, 2024
Philosophical themes are often explored in literature, especially when
revealing new methods fo... more Philosophical themes are often explored in literature, especially when
revealing new methods for depicting the problems of existence, moral
dilemmas, and the complexities of human nature in a profound way.
Authors use structures, characters, and symbolism to convey and examine
philosophical ideas, often creating a rich interaction between the two
disciplines. Philosophy, in turn, can manifest itself in literary form through
dialogues, essays, and philosophical fiction. It employs narrative elements,
characters, and allegories to convey complex ideas and engage readers in
its discourses in a perhaps more accessible way. This literary expression
of philosophy can enhance the understanding of its content and make
abstract concepts more comprehensible. The intertwining of philosophy
and literature, poetics and analysis, can be observed in the work of the
ancient Chinese thinker Zhuangzi. Through a dialectical interaction and
constructive mutual sublation of the literary-philosophical elements
present in his eponymous work, this essay attempts to present a new form
of transcultural hermeneutics, which finds its expression in the method of
merging aesthetic spheres (or jingjie 境界)
revealing new methods for depicting the problems of existence, moral
dilemmas, and the complexities of human nature in a profound way.
Authors use structures, characters, and symbolism to convey and examine
philosophical ideas, often creating a rich interaction between the two
disciplines. Philosophy, in turn, can manifest itself in literary form through
dialogues, essays, and philosophical fiction. It employs narrative elements,
characters, and allegories to convey complex ideas and engage readers in
its discourses in a perhaps more accessible way. This literary expression
of philosophy can enhance the understanding of its content and make
abstract concepts more comprehensible. The intertwining of philosophy
and literature, poetics and analysis, can be observed in the work of the
ancient Chinese thinker Zhuangzi. Through a dialectical interaction and
constructive mutual sublation of the literary-philosophical elements
present in his eponymous work, this essay attempts to present a new form
of transcultural hermeneutics, which finds its expression in the method of
merging aesthetic spheres (or jingjie 境界)
Philosophy East & West, 2025
Defining the Conceptual Framework: Two Kinds of Existential Anxiety and the Method of Sublation T... more Defining the Conceptual Framework: Two Kinds of Existential Anxiety and the Method of Sublation The initial idea of commencing this juxtaposition of two complex yet seemingly similar notions found in both European and Chinese philosophy was influenced by a combination of various factors. First, I was conscious of the common contemporary interpretations of the Chinese concept of youhuan yishi 憂患意 識, brought about by the Modern New Confucian Xu Fuguan. This concept is mostly translated in Western languages as a "concerned consciousness." 1 It appeared to me that this term referred more to a sense of anxiety, a feeling that definitely went beyond the experience of external, social, and political concerns. According to Xu Fuguan's description, 2 it can be regarded as a term primarily associated with human self-perception and related to questions about the deep foundations of human existence. In what follows, I will show why it can be understood as going beyond discrete concerns or fears and how it can serve as a basis for the realization of a deeply self-aware human subject. It then occurred to me that this philosophical connotation of the term was reminiscent of Heidegger's interpretation of Angst and its relationship to Dasein. I thus decided to look into the underlying connections of these two forms of anxiety by setting them into a mutual dialectical interaction by following the so-called method of transcultural philosophical sublation, which will be briefly introduced below. The central goal is to derive from this correlative dialectical model, which is not based upon comparison of concepts but rather on conceptual comparisons, a new insight into the fundamental nature of the relation between human beings and the world. My motivation to explore this topic is further fueled by the fact that, despite the extensive literature on Heidegger and East Asian thought, the focus of such research almost exclusively lies on Daoist influences on his philosophy. Brilliant studies such as Nelson 3 and Chai 4 have made significant contributions in this realm. However, other potential connections between Heidegger's ideas and various East Asian philosophies are yet to be thoroughly examined. 5 Of course, Heidegger's relationship with Daoism is historically attested, unlike his connection with Confucianism. However, I believe that it is precisely the lack of mutual knowledge that makes an investigation of parallels and
Revista Portuguesa de Filosofia, 2024
Abstract
The present article introduces the theory of knowledge of the modern Chinese philosopher... more Abstract
The present article introduces the theory of knowledge of the modern Chinese philosopher Feng Qi (1915–95), who is known as both an explorer of old, and a creator of new systems of comprehension. Although he was a versatile theorist and thinker, he saw epistemology as both
the core and mainspring of all his theoretical endeavours. Already before the establishment of the P.R. China, he published his first epistemological thesis under the title On Wisdom and consequently, he never completely abandoned this topic, even though he explored it through the lens of his manifold other interests that were connected with both, traditional Chinese, as well as with Western (including Marxist and neo-Marxist) philosophy. This paper will center its focus on his dialectical exploration of the conversion of knowledge into wisdom, a concept he formulated within the boundaries of his coined “expanded epistemology.” The article expounds on the reasons and methods through which this theory not only addressed epistemological concerns but also entailed ontological and metaphysical dimensions.
The present article introduces the theory of knowledge of the modern Chinese philosopher Feng Qi (1915–95), who is known as both an explorer of old, and a creator of new systems of comprehension. Although he was a versatile theorist and thinker, he saw epistemology as both
the core and mainspring of all his theoretical endeavours. Already before the establishment of the P.R. China, he published his first epistemological thesis under the title On Wisdom and consequently, he never completely abandoned this topic, even though he explored it through the lens of his manifold other interests that were connected with both, traditional Chinese, as well as with Western (including Marxist and neo-Marxist) philosophy. This paper will center its focus on his dialectical exploration of the conversion of knowledge into wisdom, a concept he formulated within the boundaries of his coined “expanded epistemology.” The article expounds on the reasons and methods through which this theory not only addressed epistemological concerns but also entailed ontological and metaphysical dimensions.
Dao - A journal of Comparative Philosophy , 2024
In this article, I aim to explore and demonstrate a specific mode of transcultural philosophical ... more In this article, I aim to explore and demonstrate a specific mode of transcultural philosophical comparison by introducing an innovative theoretical model that I tentatively call the "method of sublation." Through an illuminating case study centered around Li Zehou 李澤厚, a prominent figure credited with pioneering this method, its profound potential for generating creative innovation comes to light. Li Zehou skillfully combined Kant's transcendental philosophy and Marx's historical materialism, creating a unique synthesis that sublated traditional divides. This sublation elevates the empirical, seamlessly integrating it into the transcendental domain. The foundation of this paper lies in providing a concise yet comprehensive overview of the method's theoretical underpinnings, closely followed by a meticulous dissection of its operational structure. A tangible application of the method is then vividly demonstrated through Li Zehou's adept process of seamlessly sublating static Kantian a priori forms with the dynamic principles of Marxist social development theory, exemplifying the potency of this transformative approach in the realm of philosophy.
Asian studies, 2024
Chinese humanism developed distinctly from European humanist discourses, reflecting unique cultur... more Chinese humanism developed distinctly from European humanist discourses, reflecting unique cultural and philosophical traditions. Analysing these differences can enhance our understanding of both the specific characteristics of Chinese humanism and the diverse potentialities within contemporary global humanist thought. This comparative perspective, enhanced by employing the method of sublation, underscores the planetary relevance of humanism. It demonstrates how diverse cultural perspectives enrich and broaden the scope of global discourse, leading to a more inclusive understanding of humanism worldwide. In this paper I will give a brief historical overview of the origins and development of the formation of ideas which, in China, placed the human being at the centre of culture and the cosmos. But in order to better understand the differences that demarcate Chinese views of humans and their position in the world from European ones, we will first look at how the relationship between people and the communities in which they live is structured in the Chinese tradition. We will then examine the political and philosophical currents shaping Confucian discourse and take a look on the way in which each of them contributes to the Chinese model of humanism. By applying the method of sublation, we intend to investigate how these two systems could complement and enhance each other, thereby helping to establish a foundational framework for a newly proposed transcultural planetary ethics.
中国比较文学, 2022
This article deals with the manifold possibilities and problems regarding transcultural interpre... more This article deals with the manifold possibilities and problems regarding transcultural interpretations of Chinese texts． It highlights methodological principles of transcultural research， considering thereby the incommensurability of different culturally
conditioned paradigms． This takes into account the fact that different cultures produce different frames of reference，which in turn are associated with different methods of perceiving，understanding，and interpreting reality，since concepts and categories cannot be directly transferred from one sociocultural context to another． This is particularly problematic
when it comes to different philosophical discourses that have emerged within different histories of ideas． On this basis，the article proposes a new method of transcultural contrastive
analysis of philosophical texts，the so-called method of philosophical sublation． The author
also argues for a change in the Western traditional hermeneutic method and proposes to replace the traditional method of fusion of horizons with a new method called fusion of aesthetic realms
conditioned paradigms． This takes into account the fact that different cultures produce different frames of reference，which in turn are associated with different methods of perceiving，understanding，and interpreting reality，since concepts and categories cannot be directly transferred from one sociocultural context to another． This is particularly problematic
when it comes to different philosophical discourses that have emerged within different histories of ideas． On this basis，the article proposes a new method of transcultural contrastive
analysis of philosophical texts，the so-called method of philosophical sublation． The author
also argues for a change in the Western traditional hermeneutic method and proposes to replace the traditional method of fusion of horizons with a new method called fusion of aesthetic realms
Asian Philosophy, 2024
This paper addresses the question of whether it is possible to develop theoretical methods to rec... more This paper addresses the question of whether it is possible to develop theoretical methods to reconcile absolute principles on the one hand and relative tenets on the other. I will look at this question through the lens of classical Chinese logic and, more
Asian Studies, 2024
There has been a significant amount of research carried out in Slovenia on the revival of Confuci... more There has been a significant amount of research carried out in Slovenia on the revival of Confucianism, particularly since 2012 and 2014, when the first two research projects on this topic were approved. Members of the Department of Asian Studies at the Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, have been consistently conducting research in Slovenia and various Chinese, Taiwanese, and East Asian archives and libraries. These efforts have led to several important publications in Slovene, English, and even Chinese, and represent an ongoing commitment that continues in the present day. Therefore, it is not surprising that the present special issue of the Slovenian academic journal Asian Studies, focusing on the Confucian revival, already marks the fourth special issue in this area of research. This review article's objective is thus to summarize the key achievements of Slovenian research in this field and provide a comprehensive overview of the diverse Slovene research activities and publications related to Modern New Confucianism. It covers not only research on the revival of Confucianism in China and the broader Sinic region, but also includes Confucian studies in other East Asian regions and the wider Sinic area.