Scientists at the University of Hildesheim are breaking down cultural boundaries!

Scientists at the University of Hildesheim are breaking down cultural boundaries!

On May 6, 2025 at 4:29 p.m., a significant development in intercultural philosophy was announced. The collegiate research group at the University of Hildesheim, funded by the German Research Foundation, has set itself the goal of breaking down the Eurocentric view of philosophy. This is done in collaboration with scholars from around the world to provide a broader perspective on philosophical questions and traditions. A central player in this research group is junior professor Dr. Sool Park, who talks about the challenges of transporting philosophical ideas between different languages, while also looking at philosophical traditions outside of written language.

Dr. Park, born in South Korea in 1986, studied philosophy, mathematics and comparative literature in Munich. He taught at the Korean Military Academy and received his doctorate from the University of Hildesheim in 2021. Since October 2023 he has been a junior professor of intercultural philosophy at the same university. In his research, Park devotes himself to both German and East Asian philosophy and has translated major works by greats such as Wittgenstein, Nietzsche and Hölderlin into Korean. His academic career is characterized by the lack of contact with non-European philosophy during his studies in Munich, which led him to intensively study Eastern and Indian philosophical traditions during his doctoral studies.

Research approaches and questions

The research group also considers the relevance of different philosophical traditions in the current globalized world. In reflecting on the dialogue between philosophy and cultural differences, a research focus has developed on three core questions: the determination of relevant cultural differences, reflection on philosophy's own history and methodology, and the relationship of philosophy to other disciplines. A relevant example is the theses on intercultural philosophy, which emphasize the need to reconstitute philosophy in a dialogic process.

Discussion about intercultural philosophy often revolves around stereotypical perceptions and the way foreign cultures are described. In the context of modern philosophy, stereotypical categories such as "barbaric", "exotic" and "pagan" are questioned in order to promote better understanding between cultures. Intercultural philosophy could therefore be viewed as a means of promoting social cohesion by addressing migration and cultural exchange.

A look into the future

The need to rethink the humanities, and especially philosophy, in the context of globalization is becoming increasingly clear. Engaging with other approaches to thought and opening up philosophical discourse are crucial in order to develop fruitful concepts for future culture. Therefore, the question of which traditional ideas and concepts are viable for future cultures is becoming increasingly relevant.

Dr. Park's work and the initiatives of the college research group at the University of Hildesheim are important steps in this direction. The group not only contributes to intercultural philosophy, but also challenges existing norms and practices in philosophy, which are often heavily Eurocentric. Intercultural philosophy could prove to be a decisive force in the global exchange of ideas and in the effort to achieve better understanding between different cultures. Increased integration of global philosophical traditions will be crucial to establishing philosophy as a science of diversity.

In summary, it can be said that intercultural philosophy represents a dynamic and perspective research field that aims to create a deeper understanding of the world's diverse philosophical traditions and thus also to question one's own Eurocentric view. Given the global challenges facing humanity, it is to be hoped that intercultural philosophy will serve as a platform for dialogue and collaboration.

For more information visit the website of University of Hildesheim, Academia.edu (1990-2001) and Academia.edu (2003).