Cosmology in a Living World: Knowledge Regarding Environment and Life in Late Imperial China

The historical study of cosmology shares key themes with modern science, particularly the ongoing dialogue between abstract theory and practical application, both of which are crucial to understanding the natural world. Investigating how cosmological knowledge was localized and integrated into daily life and technological practices highlights how human survival and adaptation have always depended on knowledge of the environment and the universe. This workshop marks the beginning of an exploration into how imperial cosmology was shaped by regional geography, culture, and technical processes in late Imperial China, focusing on the complex interplay between universal theories and local practices. Rather than viewing theory as a static framework simply applied to practice, we approach cosmology as a dynamic system, where both theoretical frameworks and practical engagements evolve through reciprocal influence.

This workshop is one of the parallel academic sessions celebrating the 50th anniversary of the collaboration between the Max Planck Society and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. It also serves as an introduction to a Max Planck Partner Group based at the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, titled “Daily Practices of Cosmological Knowledge in Late Imperial China (1368–1911).” 

This event marks a continuation of the longstanding cooperation between the two institutions on significant humanities topics.