The YSU Faculty of Philosophy and Psychology hosted a public lecture titled "Influential Currents of Chinese Philosophy: Manifestations in the Socio-Cultural Environment", to promote Armenian–Chinese cultural cooperation and to present to the public the impact of Chinese philosophy across various spheres of life.
In his opening remarks, faculty dean Aleksan Baghdasaryan emphasized the importance of cultural dialogue and Armenian–Chinese cooperation in the fields of education and science.
The keynote speaker of the day, Hovhannes Hovhannisyan, Associate Professor at the Chair of the History, Theory, and Logic of Philosophy, presented the main characteristics and stages in the formation and development of Chinese philosophical thought. The lecture addressed the key ideas, guiding principles and developmental tendencies of the most influential currents, including Confucianism, Daoism, Chinese Buddhism, Legalism, Mohism, and Neo-Confucianism. Particular attention was given to the manifestations of Chinese philosophical ideas and traditions and their influence on various spheres of public life, such as education, family, political governance, the economic environment, healthcare practices, and social relations.
Associate Professor Hovhannisyan also drew parallels between the socio-cultural and value systems shaped by Chinese philosophical traditions (Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, Legalism, Neo-Confucianism) and those formed under the influence of Western philosophical currents, including Greco-Roman classical philosophy, Christianity, the Enlightenment, and liberalism.
The lecture was followed by a Q&A session and an engaging exchange of ideas.
Speeches were also delivered by Karen Avagyan, President of the Armenian-Chinese Friendship Association; Vazgen Safaryan, President of the Union of Domestic Manufacturers; Gabriel Chenberjyan, President of the Pyunik Charitable Foundation; and Mkrtich Avagyan, Director of the AltMed Traditional Medicine Center.
Calligraphy master and theorist Chen Qiao introduced the participants to the history and fundamental principles of Chinese calligraphy, highlighting the common features of the Armenian alphabet, bird letters, and Chinese calligraphic art. Participants received commemorative gifts featuring elements of Chinese calligraphy.
Talented musicians from the New Names of Armenia program, led by artistic director Nona Vardanyan, performed Armenian and Chinese songs and musical pieces.
The event was organized by the YSU Faculty of Philosophy and Psychology and the International Scientific and Cultural Center (the Center for Teaching and Testing Chinese Language in Armenia), in cooperation with the Armenian Philosophical Academy, the Pyunik Charitable Foundation, and the Secondary School No. 135 named after G. Stepanyan in Yerevan.
