不只是性別：多樣、多元與哲學        

「不只是性別」觀念實驗室的成立，旨在廣泛探索並深入剖析多樣且交織的各種身份與分類之哲學以及社會意涵。藉由辨識並質問習以為常的預設和解釋，反思「多樣」（diversity）與「多元」（plurality）的意義，進而發展更具創見與包容的哲學研究進路。

近年來在台灣和歐美的學界與社會中，「多樣」與「多元」不論是在生物、經濟、文化或語言等面向上，都備受重視。然而關於「多樣」與「多元」的許多基本議題，卻尚未有具足開放的透徹討論：「多樣」與「多元」之間是否有所差異？「多樣」與「多元」是實然或應然？依據何種標準？是否有所侷限？如果價值（value）是多元或多樣的，那麼道德（morality）跟真理（truth）是否也是多元多樣的？在強調平等與民主的公民社會中，我們又該如何應對與他人的觀點在關鍵之處的深度歧異？

以「性別」為例，在學術跟倡議社群的論述中，「性別」至少有生理、社會建構以及自我認同等不同層次，每個層次又受多種因素影響；而除了男女的差異，流動的（fluid）、非二元的（non-binary）、展演的（performative）性別、無性別（agender）、性別角色（gender role）、性別表達（gender expression）等概念，也引發熱烈的討論。與此同時，聯合國提出「性別主流化」（gender mainstreaming）之全球性策略，期許各國政府的計畫與法律都有性別觀點。鑑於性別之分在各層面長期且深刻的影響，實質性別平等確實至關緊要，但該追求的究竟是性別的多樣／多元，亦或消弭性別（gender elimination）？

我們希望從性別哲學為起始，思考語言、種族、世代、階級、能力……等標籤與分類，如何影響我們個人的生活、社會的文化和整體的文明。透過學術演講、讀書會、工作坊等活動，深化對「多樣」與「多元」相關議題的研究。我們期望透過這樣的交流激盪，開展出由台灣的發言位置出發，具有建設性的問題設定與嶄新思考框架：不只是從事傳統哲學研究閱讀、詮釋、批判的工作，更豐富作哲學的可能。也期許能為公民社會中的哲學實踐以及個人與群體的選擇和行動——包括自我定位、面對他人、處理衝突——提供更厚實的理論資源，為跨學門、跨領域的想像、思辨、對話與理解，創造更寬闊的空間。

Beyond Gender aims to explore and analyze the philosophical and social implications of diverse, plural, and intersecting identities and classifications. By identifying and questioning commonly accepted assumptions and explanations, we strive to reflect on the meaning of diversity and plurality, thereby developing more creative and inclusive approaches to philosophical inquiry.

In recent years, the concepts of diversity and plurality—whether biological, economic, cultural, or linguistic—have gained significant attention within academia and society in both Taiwan and Western countries. Still, many fundamental issues about diversity and plurality are yet to be thoroughly and openly discussed. For instance, is there any difference between diversity and plurality? Are diversity and plurality how things actually are or how things ought to be? On what basis do we answer these questions, and are diversity and plurality themselves subject to any limitations? If values are diverse or plural, does it follow that truth and morality are so as well? In a civil society that emphasizes equality and democracy, how should we navigate critical differences of opinions on crucial matters?

A case in point is gender. Within academic and advocacy communities, studies around gender encompass multiple dimensions such as biology, social construction, and self-identity, each influenced by a plurality of factors. Beyond the conventional binary of male and female, concepts including fluidity, non-binary identities, gender performativity, agender, gender roles, and gender expression have sparked heated discussions. Meanwhile, the United Nations advocates for “gender mainstreaming,” urging governments worldwide to integrate a gender perspective into their policies and legislation. Indeed, given the pervasive impact of gender distinctions in all areas and at all levels, substantive gender equality is necessary. However, should the focus be on promoting gender diversity or on eliminating gender altogether?

Beginning with the philosophy of gender, we intend to explore how labels and classifications—such as language, race, generation, class, and ability—affect our personal lives, social cultures, and civilization at large. Through exchanges like academic lectures, reading groups, and workshops, we aspire to develop constructive new frameworks for thought and talk, grounded in Taiwan’s unique perspective.

Moving beyond traditional philosophizing, our goal is to reimagine its horizons. We hope to provide theoretical resources that support philosophically informed decision-making and action-taking—especially in matters of self-understanding, interacting with others, and grappling with conflicts–with the ultimate aim of creating environments conducive to reflection, deeper understanding, and more meaningful conversation beyond traditional boundaries.