Hong Kong 2025 Humanities Conference on The Dialectics of Care

Care is a complex and multifaceted concept and practice, intricately shaped by diverse modes of expression and actions that engage both human and non-human elements. In the context of systemic inequalities and power dynamics—especially those exacerbated by wars, conflicts, climate change, and various forms of social injustice—"care" is often co-opted, institutionalized, and, in some cases, weaponized. Yet, in these challenging times, it is crucial that we engage with the notion of care with greater intention and thoughtfulness than ever before.

This conference, part of the "Comparative Cultures of Care" initiative at EdUHK, aims to advance the robust theorization of care's contradictions during the "Hong Kong 2023 Humanities Conference on Comparative Cultures of Care." By fostering critical dialogue, we seek to explore the nuanced dimensions of care and its implications in our contemporary world.

The "Hong Kong 2025 Humanities Conference on The Dialectics of Care" seeks to explore the complex and dialectical nature of care, focusing on several critical dimensions.

The Conference is anchored on three main themes:

Care Aesthetics
Care Communication
Care Education

Through this conference, we aim to cultivate a close-knit community of scholars dedicated to inspire new ideas and approaches that advance our understanding of care in its many forms.

John Erni, Dean of Faculty of Humanities
& The Conference Organizing Team

(How does Art approach Vulnerabilities?)

(How is Connection made and unmade in the Conflicting Worlds?)

(What is a Pedagogy of Care?)

PROGRAM

All times are Standard Hong Kong Time (UTC+8:00)

August 7 (Thursday), 2025

August 8 (Friday), 2025

08:40 - 09:10

Registration / Coffee reception

09:10 - 09:40

Opening Remarks:

John ERNI

Conference Convenor

Dean, Faculty of Humanities

Director, International Research Centre for Cultural Studies

09:50 - 10:40

Keynote Speech

Speakers: Maurice HAMINGTON

Moderator: John ERNI

10:40 - 10:50

Coffee Break

10:50 - 12:20

Panel 1

Speakers: Phaedra C. PEZZULLO

Mette HJORT

Moderator: Bidisha BANERJEE

12:20 - 13:50

Lunch

13:50 - 15:20

Panel 2

Speakers: Suzanne LITTLE

Elmo GONZAGA

Moderator: Jose Duke BAGULAYA

15:20 - 15:30

Coffee Break

15:30 - 17:00

Panel 3

Speakers: Ted STRIPHAS

Nishant SHAH

Moderator: Daren LEUNG

17:00 - 17:10

Wrap Up Day 1

09:00 - 10:30

Keynote Roundtable on Pedagogy of Care PART I:

Introduction &

Roundtable

Speakers: ZHANG Ling

SY Wai Nok

Blanche CHU

Bibi TAYYABA

Jesse W.C. YIP

Co-chairs: Jose Duke BAGULAYA

Ka Ya LEE

10:30 - 11:00

Coffee Break

11:00 - 11:50

PART II: Response

Speakers: Jose Duke BAGULAYA

Ka Ya LEE

11:50 - 13:10

Lunch

13:10 - 14:40

Panel 4

Speakers: Peter KRIEGER

Amanda STUART-FISHER

Moderator: Eric FENG

14:40 - 14:50

Coffee Break

14:50 - 16:20

Panel 5

Speakers: Prudence LAU Angel M. Y. LIN and Qinghua CHEN

Moderator: Lisa LEUNG

16:20-16:50

Launching of two Special Issues on Care and ‘EduCare Portal’

16:50 - 18:00

Closing Discussion

Closing Discussion: Car(ry)ing Forward

Moderator: John ERNI

Download Program Booklet

Speakers

Keynote Speaker

Maurice Hamington

Department of Philosophy, Portland State University, USA

Maurice Hamington is a Professor of Philosophy and Affiliate Faculty of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Portland State University. He writes about the theory and application of feminist care ethics, particularly regarding embodiment, performance, politics, and aesthetics. His latest book, Revolutionary Care: Commitment and Ethos (Routledge 2024), argues that we need a care revolution right now, and that everyone can participate. He is the author of Embodied Care (2004) and co-author of Care Ethics and Poetry (2019) with Ce Rosenow. Hamington has edited or co-edited Feminism and Hospitality: Care Ethics, Religion, and Spiritual Traditions (2022), Care Ethics in the Age of Precarity (2021), Care Ethics and Political Theory (2015), Applying Care Ethics to Business (2011), Socializing Care (2006), and Gender in the Host/Guest Relationship (2010). He has also authored numerous publications on the philosophy of Jane Addams. For more information on his scholarly activities, see mhamington.com.