Call for Papers: Thinking Through Confucius

Thinking Through Confucius (CN 37-1501/C, ISSN 2095-8455) is a popular academic journal in Chinese and English on traditional Chinese culture. It is directed by the Confucius Research Institute and co-sponsored by the Institute and Shandong Qilu Press Co., Ltd. With a commitment to promoting the “creative transformation and innovative development” of excellent traditional Chinese culture, the journal focuses on interpreting and disseminating Confucian thought while presenting the profound cultural heritage of China. Our publications feature rich illustrations that integrate scholarly depth, narrative engagement, and contemporary relevance. We cordially invite contributions from scholars, experts, emerging researchers, primary and secondary teachers, and traditional culture enthusiasts worldwide.

1. Special Topic

This column expects articles that examine timely social topics such as education, ethics, environmental issues, and artificial intelligence through case studies that demonstrate the contemporary relevance of Confucian philosophy and offer insights for public life.

2. Reading Confucius and Mencius

Submissions to this column are expected to: 1) revisit the life stories of key Confucian philosophers such as Confucius, Mencius, and Xunzi and reinterpret their philosophical ideas, 2) clarify previous misconceptions and misunderstandings, and 3) illuminate the spiritual essence of Confucianism.

3. Thinking Through the Classics

Submissions to this column are expected to interpret the fundamental tenets and philosophical implications of classical Chinese texts, with original insights and innovative interpretations gained from close readings of Confucian classics.

4. Confucian Scholars Through the Ages

Submissions to this column should: 1) recount the life stories and intellectual contributions of ancient and contemporary Confucian scholars, and 2) discuss how Confucian scholars across history have contributed to the transmission and evolution of their tradition.

5. Confucianism in Practice

This column expects articles documenting efforts and initiatives in applying Confucian principles and promoting traditional culture in daily and professional contexts, and that share the outcomes, reflections, and insights from these practices.

6. Confucian Temples and Ancient Academies

Submissions to this column should: 1) recount the historical evolution, cultural significance, and contemporary conservation practices of Confucian temples and ancient academies, and 2) highlight their enduring legacy and renewed cultural relevance in the new era.

7. Inter-Civilizational Exchanges and Mutual Learning

This column expects submissions that: 1) introduce the global dissemination and development of Confucianism, along with its cross-cultural exchanges with other civilizations, and 2) explore the perspectives of international scholars and communities on Confucianism.

8. Ritual Propriety and Music

Submissions to this column are kindly expected to: 1) trace the origins of major traditional Chinese festivals, including the Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, Qixi Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Chongyang Festival, and 2) examine their contemporary relevance and the spirit of ritual propriety and cultural connotations embedded in their celebrations.

9. Confucian Cultural Relics

Submissions to this column are expected to: 1) interpret Confucian cultural elements embodied in artifacts, steles, calligraphy, paintings, and clothing, and 2) examine their cultural significance and contemporary relevance in transmitting Confucian values.

10. Confucian Perspectives

Submissions to this column should trace the evolution of Confucianism through its historical milestones, decode its philosophical insights, contextualize its central concepts for modern audiences, and narrate its lived traditions throughout history.

1. Submissions may be written in either Chinese or English and should be accessible to general readers. Articles must feature clear explanations, fluid writing, and precise citations. Maintain citation accuracy by using in-text references. For classical texts, provide abbreviated citations (title and chapter only). Word count: 3,000–6,000 characters for Chinese submissions and ~2,000 words for English submissions.

2. All submissions must adhere to the correct political orientation and stance on values. Submissions must be original works that have not been published in any other journals or publications. Submissions must not contain plagiarized or AI-generated content, nor any other violations of academic integrity.

3. All submissions must be formatted in Microsoft Word and include three to four high-resolution, copyright-free images that are relevant to the content of the article for possible use as illustrations.

1. Manuscripts should be emailed the editorial department at   zoujinkongzi_2021@163.com with the following information provided at the end of the document: the author’s full legal name, professional title, institutional affiliation, mailing address (including postal code), and contact telephone number.

2. While maintaining the author’s viewpoint intact, the journal reserves the right to make deletions necessary for publication purposes. If you disagree with any proposed deletions during this process, please indicate so upon submission.

3. Upon publication, authors will receive standard remuneration (except for book reviews) and three complimentary copies of the issue. Submitting any work to this journal grants the journal the rights to print, publish digitally, and disseminate online. The provided remuneration includes compensation for all specified usage rights, and no additional payment will be made.

The Editorial Department of Thinking Through Confucius