On October 25, 2024, in Beijing, a significant event marked the 300th anniversary of the birth of the renowned German philosopher Immanuel Kant. The China Renmin University Press and the Institute of Philosophy at Renmin University jointly hosted a book launch and academic symposium for the newly released annotated edition of “The Complete Works of Kant.” Several distinguished scholars gathered to reflect on the translation process and to delve into the contemporary relevance of Kant’s philosophy.
Professor Li Qiuling, the chief editor of the annotated edition and a professor at Renmin University, shared his profound commitment to this project, stating, “The translation of ‘The Complete Works of Kant’ has consumed 25 years of my life, which is about a third of it. The time and effort I’ve invested in these 25 years have been worth it.”
Between 2003 and 2010, the Chinese translated version of “The Complete Works of Kant,” comprising nine volumes, was gradually published. This translation initiative was spearheaded by Professor Miao Litian from the Institute of Philosophy at Renmin University, with Li Qiuling serving as the chief editor alongside scholars such as Zhang Rong, Li Yuzhang, Guo Dawei, and Han Donghui. The comprehensive work has received acclaim for over a decade, drawing significant attention from both the academic and cultural sectors.
This new edition aims to build on the previous one, incorporating the prefatory notes and annotations from the original Academy edition of “The Complete Works of Kant,” along with some of Li’s own notes, to help readers gain a deeper understanding of Kant’s philosophical ideas.
During the symposium, experts discussed three major themes: the extensive journey of translation over the past 25 years, the evolution of Kant studies in China since the turn of the millennium, and the mission and significance of Kant research in the new era.
Professor Xie Xialing of Fudan University emphasized the profound impact of Kantian philosophy on both the social sciences and natural sciences, highlighting that well-crafted, accessible translations are invaluable for contemporary students seeking to grasp Kant’s philosophies.
Professor Xie Dikun of Renmin University acknowledged the strong tradition in both Chinese and international philosophical circles that utilizes translation as a means to promote academic research, which in turn fosters further translation efforts.
Professor Zhao Dunhua, the Boya Chair Professor at Peking University, pointed out the unique aspects of Kant studies in China, noting the increased interaction among Chinese, English, and German works, and how Chinese scholars are now making significant contributions to the global discourse on Kant.
Professor Han Shuifa from Peking University remarked, “Previously, we looked up to foreign Kant scholars; now we can engage with them on equal footing. This change reflects the growth of a new generation of Chinese Kant scholars who have produced substantial research.” He noted that contemporary Chinese scholars are exploring cutting-edge topics, such as the intersection of Kant’s ideas with current discussions on artificial intelligence.
The scholars concluded that the publication of “The Complete Works of Kant (Annotated Edition)” not only provides valuable resources for the academic community but also serves as a beneficial reference for the public eager to learn about Kantian philosophy.
