As part of the Differences as Bridges Series, this event—held in Berlin in November 2024—brought together leading philosophers to explore foundational differences in Western and Chinese thought.
Hosted by SONG Bing, Senior VP of the Berggruen Institute, the discussion featured SUN Xiangchen and Tobias Rees. They examined:
• The Western concept of “being”, from Parmenides to Aristotle, emphasizing fixed essences, identity, and autonomous selfhood.
• The Chinese concept of “change” (Yijing易经), highlighting transformation, relationality, and patterns beyond language.
• How individuality and relationality shape philosophical and cultural perspectives.
• Contemporary implications for cross-cultural dialogue and understanding.
Through historical insight and philosophical comparison, this conversation reveals why understanding foundational differences in thought is crucial for meaningful global exchange.
🎥 Watch the full discussion to explore how “being” and “change” offer distinct yet complementary lenses on life, selfhood, and society.
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