The beauty of form, the development of the spirit

François Jullien, one of the most important thinkers in comparative philosophy, compares two models of beauty: the classical notion of beauty, which is tied to shaping the form - the Western concept; and the dimension of the spirit that develops through the form - the Chinese model.

In the tension between these concepts, François Jullien sees an opportunity to re-consider the body, the image and beauty. In his publications on Chinese thought he has found a new way of understanding of European discourses. Jullien’s professional positions include that of professor at the University of Paris 7 - Denis Diderot, as well as director of both the Centre Marcel-Granet and the Institut de la Pensée contemporaine.

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