我們比以往任何時候都更為需要「當下的本體論」。這是因為我們正生活在一個極度迷失方向的時代，無論是在歷史、政治，或其他種種領域，原本絕對的疆界都已模糊不清。當下環繞並涵蓋著我們，將我們拉往未來，使得我們自身將成為什麼也是建構出來的。這代表當下必須作為我們反思的主體和關注的客體。我們自身的本體論，我們的存在，是我們與自身當下建立的這種關鍵的、永久的強烈關係。這是一個我們必須學習和努力存在、而不能僅是觀察的現實。

　　在這些前提下，我們籌劃了這次的國際研討會，討論的主題將環繞在：我們當前生活的時代是什麼樣子？這時代突出的特徵是什麼？它能被如何稱呼、又將引領我們去到何方？我們對於這個當下的詮釋是基於什麼？又是什麼引發了我們對此當下的行動與反應？

　　此次的國際研討會中，來自12個國家、多領域的15位研究人員們將分享他們在這些主題所進行的研究與反思。歡迎各位共襄盛舉，一同激盪對於這個重要議題的集體思考，深化全球和在地的連結與對話。

    We need more than ever an ontology of the present. It is because we live in a time of profound disorientation where all the landmarks of certainty are blurred, be them historical, social, political, cultural or otherwise... This present is what envelops us and involves us, what drags us into its future and, as such, what our own becoming is also made of. This means that this present must always be in question, be a subject of our reflection and an object of concern. The ontology of ourselves, our existence, is this critical, permanent and intense relation that we establish to our own present. This is a present we must learn and strive to inhabit, and not simply observe.

    It is with these premises in mind that we are organizing this international conference, around the question: What about the present epoch we are living in? What are its salient features? What could it be called and where is it leading us? Where does our interpretation of the present find its foundation? What are the triggers that set off our actions and reactions to the present?

    At this conference, we will hear 15 researchers from 12 countries sharing their studies and reflections on these topics. This conference is open to discussion and intended to stimulate the collective work of thought on this subject of vital importance. We sincerely welcome your participation.