Jin Li's Book Talk: "The Self in the West and East Asia: Being or Becoming"

Schedule

Wed Dec 04 2024 at 05:00 pm to 06:15 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

Pembroke Hall | Providence, RI

Advertisement
Book talk with Dr. Jin Li and her new book, "The Self in the West and East Asia: Being or Becoming".
About this Event

Dr. Li's journey began with an invitation from the Berggruen Institute (BI), a think tank based in Los Angeles, to collaborate on a project examining two fundamental human needs: the quest to be oneself, which involves pursuing individual goals, and the aspiration to build meaningful social relationships. “BI asked me to explore the autonomous self and the relational self that perhaps all humans develop. BI was interested in studying both Western and East Asian notions of the self that shed light on important cultural variations in order to bridge cross-cultural understanding for the 21st century.”

Her previous book, Cultural Foundations of Learning: East and West, provided a foundation for this new exploration by focusing on the cultural distinction between Western mind-oriented learning and the virtue-oriented approach of East Asian cultures. As Li explains, “the current book moves to a new level to explore how human selves are conceptualized and how they are lived. The ways in which families encourage or discourage their children to pursue their goals reflect their culture’s philosophy on what kind of person the culture promotes.”

Li shares that in Western cultures, individualism is often prioritized, whereas East Asian cultures emphasize relationality, particularly in key relationships—parent-parent, parent-child, siblings, and extending to friendships and community ties. “Learning/education relies on mutual support and emotional/affective bonding in these important contexts.”

Li hopes readers will gain a deeper understanding of how ancient philosophical outlooks continue to shape our identities and life paths. She also encourages readers to examine their own culture and backgrounds, affirming that every individual has the right to dignity. “Recognizing each and every culture’s profound philosophy and its corresponding values is important for the entire society, not the least the field of education. Without this recognition, it is hard to achieve respect for children and families from diverse cultures

Looking ahead, Dr. Li plans to write a new book focused on the moral self and is currently researching the learning beliefs of Chinese American and European American children.

The Self in the West and East Asia: Being or Becoming will be released in early November and is available for pre-order. Professor Li will give a talk about this book to the Education Department and Brown community on December 5.



Event Details

This is a hybrid event. You can choose to attend in person on the Brown University campus, or online.

  • In-Person: Pembroke Hall Room 305, 172 Meeting Street, Providence, RI 02912
  • Online: All registrants will receive the link to the live stream. Please note that virtual attendees will not be able to send comments or participate in the Q&A due to the limitations of the platform.
Advertisement

Where is it happening?

Pembroke Hall, 172 Meeting Street, Providence, United States

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Tickets

USD 0.00

Brown University Department of Education

Host or Publisher Brown University Department of Education

It's more fun with friends. Share with friends

Discover More Events in Providence

Eric Slick(Dr. Dog), Kimaya Diggs, Museum Legs
Tue Dec 03 2024 at 07:00 pm Eric Slick(Dr. Dog), Kimaya Diggs, Museum Legs

Alchemy

DOG MUSIC
Rhode Island APA League (Brightridge Fishtales)
Tue Dec 03 2024 at 07:00 pm Rhode Island APA League (Brightridge Fishtales)

59 brightridge ave, East Providence, RI, United States, Rhode Island 02914

Look@Lincoln
Wed Dec 04 2024 at 09:30 am Look@Lincoln

301 Butler Ave, Providence, RI, United States, Rhode Island 02906

The Power of Natural Abilities Propel Your Career w\/ NAAP - Providence
Wed Dec 04 2024 at 01:00 pm The Power of Natural Abilities Propel Your Career w/ NAAP - Providence

Providence - online

WORKSHOPS VIRTUAL
Gilmore Girls Trivia Night
Wed Dec 04 2024 at 06:00 pm Gilmore Girls Trivia Night

10 Sims Avenue, Unit 110, Providence, RI, United States, Rhode Island 02911

TEDx Providence
Wed Dec 04 2024 TEDx Providence

The Vets

Introduction to Scientific Illustration
Wed Dec 04 2024 at 06:00 pm Introduction to Scientific Illustration

Community Libraries of Providence: Mount Pleasant Library

ART WORKSHOPS
Murder Mystery Dinner - Holiday Edition
Wed Dec 04 2024 at 06:30 pm Murder Mystery Dinner - Holiday Edition

The Centredale Revival Co.

HOLIDAY PARTIES

What's Happening Next in Providence?

Discover Providence Events