Tang Chun-I Visiting Professor (Fall 2025)

Michael N. Forster
Alexander von Humboldt Professor and Holder of the Chair in Theoretical Philosophy, Bonn University

Michael N. Forster is since 2013 Alexander von Humboldt Professor and holder of the Chair in Theoretical Philosophy at Bonn University. He previously taught for 28 years at the University of Chicago, where he served for 10 years as chairman of the Philosophy Department and was Glen A. Lloyd Distinguished Service Professor. His work combines historical and systematic aspects. His historical work focuses on ancient philosophy and especially German philosophy. His systematic work focuses mainly on epistemology and philosophy of language. He is the author of numerous articles and 8 books: Hegel and Skepticism (Harvard University Press, 1989), Hegel’s Idea of a Phenomenology of Spirit (University of Chicago Press, 1998), Herder: Philosophical Writings (Cambridge University Press, 2002), Wittgenstein on the Arbitrariness of Grammar (Princeton University Press, 2004), Kant and Skepticism (Princeton University Press, 2008), After Herder: Philosophy of Language in the German Tradition (Oxford University Press, 2010), German Philosophy of Language: From Schlegel to Hegel and Beyond (Oxford University Press, 2011), and Herder’s Philosophy (Oxford University Press, 2018). He is currently completing a book titled Friedrich Schlegel’s Philosophy for Oxford University Press.

Delivered in English, All are welcome

Link to synchronous online broadcast:
https://cuhk.zoom.us/j/95763606173

Enquiries: 3943 7135
Email: philosophy@cuhk.edu.hk
Website: http://phil.arts.cuhk.edu.hk

Public Lecture (Rescheduled):
Some Reflections on Kant and Cosmopolitanism

Date: 15 September 2025 (Mon)
Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm
Venue: College Theatre, Wu Yee Sun College

Abstract:
Kant is famous as a champion of moral cosmopolitanism. Pauline Kleingeld has given an impressive sympathetic interpretation of his position. However, in this talk I will take a more critical view of it, arguing that it is inadequate in several fundamental respects – including racism, sexism, moral universalism, imperialism/colonialism, and the propagation of cosmopolitan intuitions – and that in each case Kant's student Herder developed much better positions.

Public Lecture (Rescheduled): Some Reflections on Kant and Cosmopolitanism Date: 15 September 2025 (Mon) Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm Venue: College Theatre, Wu Yee Sun College Abstract: Kant is famous as a champion of moral cosmopolitanism. Pauline Kleingeld has given an impressive sympathetic interpretation of his position. However, in this talk I will take a more critical view of it, arguing that it is inadequate in several fundamental respects – including racism, sexism, moral universalism, imperialism/colonialism, and the propagation of cosmopolitan intuitions – and that in each case Kant's student Herder developed much better positions. Attend Do not attend
Departmental Seminar:
Hegel on Ancient Tragedy

Date: 22 September 2025 (Mon)
Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm
Venue: Room 101, Fung King Hey Building

Abstract:
I argue that Hegel developed his mature theory of tragedy, beginning in the Phenomenology of Spirit (1807) and then continuing in the Lectures on Aesthetics (from the 1820s), in light of a radically anti-Aristotelian account of the nature of ancient tragedy that the Schlegel brothers had developed in the immediately preceding years, which served him as a sort of anti-Aristotelian deck-clearing. On the basis of this cleared deck he developed two new theses, (1) a highly original anti-Aristotelian thesis of the centrality of moral contradictions in tragedy and (2) a less novel quasi-Aristotelian thesis that the function of tragedy lies in "reconciliation." These theses are not only original and interesting but also genuinely illuminating of the nature of ancient tragedy.

Departmental Seminar: Hegel on Ancient Tragedy Date: 22 September 2025 (Mon) Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm Venue: Room 101, Fung King Hey Building Abstract: I argue that Hegel developed his mature theory of tragedy, beginning in the Phenomenology of Spirit (1807) and then continuing in the Lectures on Aesthetics (from the 1820s), in light of a radically anti-Aristotelian account of the nature of ancient tragedy that the Schlegel brothers had developed in the immediately preceding years, which served him as a sort of anti-Aristotelian deck-clearing. On the basis of this cleared deck he developed two new theses, (1) a highly original anti-Aristotelian thesis of the centrality of moral contradictions in tragedy and (2) a less novel quasi-Aristotelian thesis that the function of tragedy lies in "reconciliation." These theses are not only original and interesting but also genuinely illuminating of the nature of ancient tragedy. Attend Do Not Attend
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1. Provision of personal data is voluntary. The information collected will be used for the purposes of events and communication related to the Department and related responsible organization for this event. Only authorized personnel in the Department can access the information. The Department will promote and disseminate information such as talks, services and research information to you by post, email or phone. You have the right to make subsequent changes on your choice of receiving further promotional information by notifying us in written format. 2. Under the provisions of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance, you can access and apply for amendment of the data in this form. Please contact our Institute staff if necessary. 3. The Institute will use the photos and videos taken from events in organizing and promotional purposes. If you do not agree with the relevant arrangements, you may submit your wishes and notify us in written format before the event. I have read, understood and agreed with the above terms and conditions.
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