Conference Theme:

Philosophical Dialogues in Education, East Meets West

By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest. (Confucius)

It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. (Aristotle)

This Conference will focus on mixings, minglings, and clashes as seen in educational philosophy and theory, in Hong Kong, the Asia Pacific, and around the world. Themes of east and west dialogue, as well as notions of north and south, centre and periphery, are anticipated. The Conference Organising Committee welcomes research exploring diversity in inquiry, argument, and theory, within and across traditions, emphasising the following themes:

• Truth and Harmony
• Individual Rights and Social Responsibility
• Analytical and Holistic Thinking
• Wisdom and Knowledge
• Contemplation and Action
• Reason and Reality
• Transformation and Ideology
• Self and Others
• Freedom and Community

The Conference will also address the significance for philosophy of education of embracing comparative, transcultural, and intercultural approaches. Explorations emphasising global, international, and cosmopolitan possibilities are also welcome. A special issue of Educational Philosophy & Theory and a monograph will be developed from select texts and presentations from the conference proceedings.

In line with the objects of the Society, this Conference seeks to promote research that is fundamentally philosophical and/or theoretical in nature. While references to qualitative and/or quantitative empirical research data may be found in philosophy of education scholarship, successful Conference submissions will have strong philosophical and/or theoretical foundations and implications.

Types of Submissions

Submissions may be made for presentations, refereed papers, symposia, or alternative sessions. All abstracts will be reviewed by the Conference Organising Committee. The Committee will allocate abstracts to the programme taking into account the quality of each abstract, the balance of the programme and the relevance of the abstract related to the Conference theme.

• Presentation (work in progress, non-refereed) –requires an abstract and oral presentation of 15-20 minutes with 5-10 minutes for questions and audience discussion. A presentation will normally be a work in progress and may use PowerPoint onsite at the Conference. Presentations may be given in English or in Chinese at the Conference, with session streams for Cantonese and Mandarin. 
• Refereed Paper – requires an abstract and full paper submission, and a presentation of 15-20 minutes with 10-15 minutes for questions and discussion. Accepted papers will be published on the website, and conference participants will be encouraged to read the papers before attending the Conference sessions.
• Symposium –requires an abstract and a set of 3-4 presentations or a panel on a specific topic. Each presentation requires an abstract and oral presentation of 15-20 minutes including questions. A symposium provides an opportunity to examine specific issues or topics from a variety of perspectives, maybe presenting alternative solutions, interpretations, or contrasting points of view on the topic. A symposium may use a panel discussion format on a specific topic. It may be an interactive session where a large portion of time is devoted to discussion among presenters and discussants, and/or questions and discussion among all those present. Discussions of key or newly published texts conducted by various presenters are included as symposia. Symposia can be given in English or in Chinese at the Conference.
• Alternative Session - requires an abstract that explains the purposes of the session as well as any special considerations for its structure. While the Conference Organising Committee warmly welcomes non-traditional possibilities for philosophy of education scholarship during the Conference initiated by members and other delegates, submissions for alternative sessions should include an indication of who might want to attend the session, how it is alternative, and include consideration of whether special requirements for space, time, etc. are warranted to achieve its goals. Symposia can be given in English or in Chinese at the Conference.

Important Dates

Submission Process

Submissions for presentations, symposia/panels, and alternative sessions should be formatted and submitted to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. using the provided PESA Conference 2019 Abstract Template: click here.

Abstracts of 200-250 words must be included for all kinds of submissions. For submissions in Chinese, English translations of abstracts should also be included.

If you are submitting a full paper for review and publication on the Conference website (available to members following the acceptance of abstracts and successful review of the manuscript), please submit your paper to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. using the provided PESA Conference Paper Manuscript Template: click here.