The Ateneo Paraguayo will launch a free Chinese philosophy courses in Asunción, starting on Wednesday, 4 November 2026. The programme welcomes students, teachers and members of the public interested in exploring Eastern thought. Organisers will offer weekly classes at 19:00 through both in-person and online participation. The ten-month programme will begin with Confucianism and examine its influence on ethics and society.
Exploring Eastern and Western thought
The course will provide 80 hours of instruction across two academic periods. Classes will run throughout November and December 2026, before resuming from February to September 2027. Participants will examine Chinese philosophical traditions and their connections with Western intellectual perspectives. Furthermore, discussions will explore how ancient ideas continue to inform contemporary questions about morality, citizenship and community life.
The first module will focus on Confucianism, a philosophical tradition associated with the Chinese thinker Confucius. His teachings examine moral conduct, personal responsibility and the importance of social relationships. Consequently, participants will have opportunities to consider how these principles relate to modern communities. The programme also aims to encourage critical thinking through intercultural exchange.
An international academic partnership
The initiative forms part of a three-party agreement between the Ateneo Paraguayo, Hangzhou Dianzi University (HDU) and the China-Paraguay Friendship Exchange Association. Through this partnership, the institutions seek to strengthen cultural and academic connections between Paraguay and China.
The collaboration also creates opportunities to introduce different intellectual traditions to Paraguayan audiences. In particular, Chinese philosophy offers perspectives on public ethics, individual responsibility and collective wellbeing. These themes provide a starting point for discussions about how societies organise themselves and understand shared responsibilities.
Meet the course instructor
Historian, musician and researcher Manuel Augusto Martínez Domínguez will lead the classes. He holds a history degree from the National University of Asunción and a master’s degree in Aesthetics and Art Theory from the National University of La Plata, Argentina.
Martínez Domínguez also teaches philosophy at the National University of Asunción’s Faculty of Social Sciences. His academic background combines historical research, artistic knowledge and philosophical teaching. Therefore, participants can approach the subject through different intellectual and cultural perspectives.
Chinese philosophy course participation
The course is completely free, although interested participants must register before joining. Classes will take place every Wednesday at 19:00, starting on 4 November. Those who prefer attending in person can visit the Ateneo Paraguayo at Nuestra Señora de la Asunción 820, Asunción.
The institution also accepts enquiries and registrations by email at secretariateneoparaguayo@gmail.com. Its administrative office receives visitors from 14:00 to 18:00. Interested participants can also contact the organisers through WhatsApp at 0982 474 991 or telephone (021) 491 495.
By opening its programme to the public, the Ateneo Paraguayo offers an opportunity to explore Chinese philosophy beyond traditional academic settings. The initiative encourages participants to question familiar perspectives and discover connections between different philosophical traditions.
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