Peking University and the University of Chicago are two of the world's most prestigious institutions with over a century of history, and they have each played a crucial role in developing social sciences in China and the United States. To promote further cooperation and exchange between the two universities, Peking University and the University of Chicago Center in Beijing jointly sponsored a collaborative forum titled "The Formation, Development and Contributions of the Chicago Tradition of Social Sciences."
A New Generation Carries the Torch
This unique event was spearheaded by a new generation of scholars who received their training at the University of Chicago. These young scholars brought fresh insights to the forum, shedding new light on the Chicago tradition and its contributions to the social sciences. Their participation highlighted the enduring strength of the Chicago tradition and how it continues to be advanced by new generations of scholars.
The forum brought together scholars from China, the United States, France, Canada, etc., to participate in extensive academic discussions that delved into the educational and academic traditions of research universities while incorporating disciplinary history and the life histories of scholars.
The two-day forum, held on June 21 and 22 at PKU's Second Gymnasium and the UChicago Center in Beijing respectively, brought together distinguished scholars to discuss the Chicago tradition of social sciences. This event concluded a 3-year lecture series with the same theme. The opening ceremony featured speeches by esteemed scholars, laying a solid foundation for further discussions in the four sub-forums. The forum featured three fascinating sub-forums at Peking University, moderated by prestigious scholars and covering a wide range of topics. These discussions included political spatiality, early Chinese students in UChicago, and the influence of the Chicago School on Canadian sociology. Each sub-forum ended with a free discussion session, enabling scholars to engage in in-depth conversation and exchange perspectives.
The fourth sub-forum, held at the UChicago Center in Beijing with an audience of approximately 50 people, focused on comparative social theories, antitrust issues, and the theoretical debates between social behaviorism and social theory. These discussions further navigated the nuances of economic and social theories and highlighted the ongoing relevance of the Chicago School. The vibrant exchanges at the end of the session further enriched the dialogue and paved the way for future academic collaborations.
The forum marks yet another milestone in collaboration between two of the world's pioneering research universities, highlighting the ongoing commitment of both institutions to fostering intellectual collaboration and advancing the field of social sciences.
