Ecological Civilization and Traditional Chinese Thought
Dear Colleagues and Students,
On April 9, 2025, we are honored to welcome Professor Mary Evelyn Tucker from the School of Forestry and Environmental Studies of Yale University to deliver a lecture titled Ecological Civilization and the Integration of Traditional Chinese Thought. In this lecture, Professor Tucker will provide an in-depth analysis of China's Ecological Civilization policy, which has been enshrined in the Constitution and implemented for over 30 years. She will highlight how this policy aims not only to transcend the conventional model of modernization, but also to seek a sustainable balance between ecosystems and human society by integrating the traditional wisdom of Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism. Despite its significance, this concept remains little known in the West. Lecture details are as follows:
Topic: Ecological Civilization and Traditional Chinese Thought
Speaker: Professor Mary Evelyn Tucker
Time: April 9, 2025 15:30-17:00
Venue: Performance Theater
Language: English
Registration Period: April 7th 8:00-April 9th 15:30
Registration Link: https://oas.uic.edu.cn/registration
Speaker Bio:
Mary Evelyn Tucker is a senior professor at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, an internationally renowned scholar in ecological ethics and Confucian studies, and a leading figure in exploring the intersection of religious philosophy and ecological civilization. She is particularly focused on the Confucian worldview of the unity of Heaven and humanity (tian ren he yi), advocating it as a practical foundation for modern ecological ethics. She has frequently called for the integration of Confucian ecological wisdom into global environmental governance and has expressed strong support for China’s transition toward an ecological civilization. Professor Tucker is the editor of the World Religions and Ecology book series—which includes volumes such as Confucianism and Ecology and Daoism and Ecology—a ten-volume collection that has provided a crucial theoretical framework for interdisciplinary ecological research. She also co-authored several works on ecological philosophy with Thomas Berry. In addition, her work includes co-producing the documentary Journey of the Universe and hosting the “Forum on Religion and Ecology,” both of which have advanced dialogue between science and the humanities. In recognition of her academic contributions, she received the "Cobb Common Good Award" in 2008 and Yale University’s "Excellence in Teaching Award" in 2015.
Brief Intro to the Lecture:
China is pursuing a policy called "Ecological Civilization" that is in its Constitution yet is virtually unknown in the West. This is a 30-year-old concept that is coming from the government as well as universities and think tanks. Many individuals and groups in China are searching for the next stage beyond modernization where hundreds of millions were lifted out of poverty. Now the goal is to create an ecological civilization that embraces the health of ecosystems and people. At the same time China is also recovering its cultural roots amid economic development and environmental challenges. The traditions of Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism are being explored for social and ecological wisdom.
如遇问题请联系 (contact us)：
-Ash 陈鹭 lschenlu@uic.edu.cn
Center for Whitehead Studies (CWS)
Institute for Advanced Study (IAS)