On May 12th, the second installment of the "Jingxi Legal Culture Lecture Series," co-hosted by the Law School of Beijing Normal University and organized by Heda Law Firm, was successfully conducted in the Gao Mingxuan Academic Lecture Hall at Beijing Normal University's Law School. The distinguished keynote address was delivered by Dr. Chen Xiaowen, Editor-in-Chief of The Commercial Press, who provided an insightful and accessible discourse on the topic "The Debate on Small and Big: Transcending Zhuangzi's Philosophical Perspectives." The event drew experts from both the philosophical and legal communities, including representatives from Peking University, Tsinghua University, China University of Political Science and Law, University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and Beijing Normal University itself, facilitating interdisciplinary exchanges and four hours of stimulating brainstorming sessions. The event was masterfully moderated by Dr. Yu Chen, Director of Heda Law Firm, culminating in an intellectually enriching experience for all attendees.

Chen Xiaowen, Editor in Chief of the Commercial Press, delivered a keynote speech

During the opening session of the lecture, Chen Xiaowen mentioned in his keynote speech that Zhuangzi's philosophy is a form of political philosophy. The thinkers of the pre-Qin period had political activities as their duty. The thoughts of the pre-Qin philosophers were all about national governance. The difference between Zhuangzi and other philosophers is that other philosophers expounded on the techniques of national governance, while Zhuangzi expounded on the ways of national governance. That is to say, the political ideology of other pre-Qin philosophers was a lower idea that is called an instrument, while Zhuangzi's political philosophy is a superior idea that is called Dao. Zhuangzi's contemplation on the debate over small and big is a further elaboration of Laozi's philosophy of "Dao Operates Naturally." It represents an existential transcendence, seeking the foundation of things, the essence of which is freedom. It seeks the basis of things, and the essence of the basis is freedom. And freedom transcends. This kind of thinking has essential similarities with Heidegger's thought. From the perspective of political philosophy, we understand Laozi's "Dao Operates Naturally" from this view of freedom, which embodies the justice of law. As a just law, it has transcendence. This explains the transcendence of law in Zhuangzi's political philosophy.

Chen Xiaowen mentioned that Zhuangzi lived in the Warring States period. In the turbulent times, he keenly and clearly saw that the Zhou Dynasty had already existed in name only, and the seven kingdoms were constantly striving for dominance. Ending the chaotic situation and returning the world to unity was the trend of the times. What sets him apart from other philosophers is that their aspirations were to end the chaotic situation, while Zhuangzi's aspirations were to establish a unified country and what kind of system should be implemented in this country? Zhuangzi believed that the customary law based on ritual and law in the Zhou Dynasty was decayed and unbearable, while the legalist system based on criminal law was too strict and could not last long. Only a just law based on natural law could achieve long-term peace and stability. It has been proven that Zhuangzi was right. The Zhou Dynasty, which was based on customary law, collapsed, the Qin Dynasty, which was based on statutory law, was overthrown, and the Han Dynasty, which was based on natural law, achieved long-term stability.

The keynote speaker of the first lecture of the Jingxi Legal Culture Lecture Series, Professor Mi Jian, Distinguished Professor at Beijing Normal University, delivered a special speech for this event. Professor Mi Jian affirmed Mr. Chen Xiaowen's report in his speech, believing that Mr. Chen Xiaowen had put forward a new interpretation of Zhuangzi's thought and distinguished traditional Chinese schools of thought from the metaphysical and metaphysical philosophical perspectives. Mr. Chen Xiaowen’s proposal that "the political ideology of other pre-Qin philosophers was a lower idea that is called an instrument, while Zhuangzi's political philosophy is a superior idea that is called Dao " is very insightful and breakthrough.

Participants are engaged in communication

In the assessment phase, scholars including Professor Jiang Xiaomin from the School of Law at China University of Political Science and Law, Professor Chai Rong from the Law School of Beijing Normal University, and Professors Xu Longfei and Han Linhe both from the Department of Philosophy at Peking University, delivered incisive evaluations from their respective domains of law and philosophy. Their perspectives intersected in lively debate. During the symposium, a diverse array of over ten experts and academics participated in vibrant discussions. This group included Professor Shen Jianfeng and Professor Zhu Xiaofeng from the School of Law at Central University of Finance and Economics, Associate Professor Lu Nan from the School of Law at Tsinghua University, Assistant Researcher Huang Yuzhou from the Institute of Law at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, landscape design authority Ye Zhenxiang from the Department of Civil Engineering at Tsinghua University, Professor Deng Jianzhong from the School of Law at Nanchang University, and Professor Yuan Zhijie from the School of Law at Beijing Normal University. They engaged with the lecture's theme from various angles, fostering a rich exchange of thoughts and igniting an intellectual synergy.

The second lecture of Jingxi Legal Culture Lecture Series was held at the venue

The Jingxi Legal Culture Lecture Series has met with resounding acclaim for its successful execution. Attendees have conveyed that this interdisciplinary dialogue and exchange event has deepened their understanding of modern Chinese legal culture, offering a more nuanced and profound perspective. Furthermore, it has bolstered their confidence and sense of duty in advancing the rule of law within our nation. Concurrently, the lecture series serves as a vital platform for legal professionals to engage in mutual learning and exchange, fostering the spread and enrichment of legal culture.

Lawyer Yu Chen is presiding over

Lawyer Yu Chen stated that the Jingxi Legal Culture Lecture Hall plans to continue holding a series of lecture activities, inviting more experts and scholars from the legal field to share their experiences and exchange ideas. I believe that in the future, the Jingxi Legal Culture Lecture Hall will continue to play a positive role in the construction of the rule of law, contributing wisdom and strength to the construction of a more perfect rule of law society.