Key research themes
1. How can traditional humanism be critically reappropriated and reimagined in contemporary intellectual discourse?
This research area investigates the intellectual genealogy of humanism, especially its critical challenges from anti-humanist and posthumanist perspectives, aiming to revive and transform humanism to address its limitations and abuses. Scholars trace its historical development from early 20th-century critiques, reassess its foundational concepts, and propose nuanced forms of humanism engaged with contemporary social, ethical, and political contexts. This theme matters because humanism remains influential in humanities and social sciences, but faces pressure to reconcile with critiques of anthropocentrism, colonialism, and technological change.
2. What are the critical intersections of new materialism, posthumanism, and technology in shaping emergent understandings of the human condition?
This research area examines the impact of technological innovation and scientific advancement on human identity and society, especially through lenses of new materialism and posthumanist theory. It focuses on how transformations such as human-machine integration, digital interconnectedness (e.g., IoT), and biotechnological enhancements challenge classical concepts of autonomy, embodiment, and agency. This theme is important for understanding ethical, political, and cultural ramifications of emerging human-machine assemblages and the evolving status of humans in technological regimes.
3. How has the New Humanism movement historically navigated its political and cultural positioning, especially in relation to education, literature, and social criticism?
This theme addresses the diverse ideological, cultural, and pedagogical orientations within the New Humanism movement, particularly in early to mid-20th century contexts. It investigates the movement's critiques of modernity and romanticism, its variegated political stances (beyond simplistic labeling as conservative), and its influence on university ideals and literary traditions. Insights into key figures such as Irving Babbitt and perspectives on reforms in humanities education provide actionable understanding for the movement's intellectual legacy and contemporary relevance.
4. How does postcolonial humanism manifest in literature as a critique of marginalization and as a vision for inclusive identity and justice?
This theme highlights the application of postcolonial humanist perspectives in literary scholarship, where marginalized voices and subaltern experiences are foregrounded to critique colonial legacies, social injustice, and cultural domination. An emphasis is placed on how postcolonial writers and theorists negotiate identity, solidarity, and ethical engagement within and beyond formerly colonized communities, addressing intersecting axes of power and advocating for inclusive humanism in globalized and multicultural contexts.