Please join the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures (EALC) for the inaugural John Wang Distinguished Lecture in Asian Studies: "The Art of Interpretation: Philosophies of Reading in Classical China" by Dr. Michael Puett. Professor Michael Puett is the Walter C. Klein Professor of Chinese History and Anthropology at Harvard University, where he also serves as Director of the Asia Center. His research explores the intersections of history, anthropology, religion, and philosophy, with a particular emphasis on situating the study of China within broader historical and comparative contexts. This event is open to the general public and will take place on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 4:00PM in Levinthal Hall, Stanford Humanities Center.

Details:

When:  Tuesday, May 20th, 2025. Reception: 4:00PM. Lecture: 4:30PM

Where: Levinthal Hall, Stanford Humanities Center, 424 Santa Teresa St, Stanford, CA 94305

Admission: Open to the general public

"The Art of Interpretation: Philosophies of Reading in Classical China"

By: Dr. Michael Puett, Walter C. Klein Professor of Chinese History and Anthropology, and Director of the Asia Center at Harvard University

 Abstract: Over the course of the classical Chinese tradition, an extraordinarily complex set of debates developed around the art of interpretation – how to interpret the past and how to interpret texts from the past.  The goal of this talk will be to explore these debates concerning the theory and practice of interpretation and to discuss their larger comparative and philosophical implications. 

Please see complete details in the posters below.

In case of any queries or difficulties, please contact Lupita Ramirez at lupitar@stanford.edu. 

We hope to see you there!