Welcome to Department of Philosophy Soochow University !
Address: 70 Linhsi Road, Shihlin, Taipei 111-02, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Telephone: (02) 2881-9471 ext. 6212-6214
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E-mail:
philos@mail.scu.edu.tw
Introduction to the
Department of Philosophy
To our New Friends
Days are the brightest when one is young. How to explore festival is of great concern to young people. As a science of the ultimate meaning of life, philosophy is a valuable means to employ. Education, through dialogue with ancient wisemen and personal reflection on current philosophical issues, helps to blend into one pursuit for the ultimate concern and academic research.
Brief History
In 1980, the Department of Philosophy was established on the recommendation of Dr. Twanmu, a former president of Soochow. His belief was that a university is never complete without a department of philosophy. Philosophy is the search for truth, both of the universe and of human existance. This is also the major objective of this department. Hoping that through this quest, it can give meaning to life, point out the way to solve human problems, provide means for a correct value system and that the ideal that philosophy is a living reality is thus realized.
Professor Ling-Ling Chao was the first chairperson of the department. She was succeeded by Professor Cheng-Ching Sun in 1989 and Professor Jeen-Hung Chen took charge from 1995 to 1998,and Professor Hai-Yen Yeh from 1998 to 2004.Professor Wen-Ruey Chuang is the chair of department from 2004 to date.
Academic
Goal
Our academic program stresses the
importance of such course as "History of Chinese Philosophy", "History of
Western Philosophy", "Issues in Philosophy", and individual philosophers.
Clear and logical thinking as well as creative and independent thinking
are emphasized. In lectures, students are encouraged to voice their
opinions. Outside of class, study groups are formed to pursue a particular
topic with the help of teachers. In this department, students enjoy
rapport with the faculty.
Future
Prospect and Job Opening Analysis
For
most students, university is the end stage of academic education. After
graduation, they go into society. The goal of university education is then
twofold: the formation of the human person and the acquisition of basic
professional skill. Accordingly, our department sets up the goal of
forming future researchers or teachers in the field of philosophy. Those
who plan for an academic career, need further Master or Ph.D. degrees. As
philosophy provides a solid foundation for theoretical knowledge, it is a
great access for those who undertake other field of studies. Our
department keeps up an excellent annual record of enrollment into graduate
schools. Most students go into the job market after graduation, since they
are trained in correct reasoning and clear expression, these are two
important and necessary abilities for all kind of professions, if students
are willing to re-orient themselves into other professions, their prospect
is bright.
Academic
Activity
Knowledge is very important
for our department. There is an Academic Committee among the faculty
members, responsible for planning and executing academic projects. There
is a monthly lecture and periodic conferences. Conferences already held
are: Comparison, Communication and Hermeneutics; Knowledge and Power;
Culture and Difference; Religion Cross the Century; Theory and Practice.
Two conferences for philosophical graduation students were also held by
our department. Papers delivered at these conferences were published. In
addition, there is an annual publication: "Soochow Journal of
Philosophical Studies".
There are various
recreational, academic, athletic activities held every Wednesday afternoon
at the 5th and 6th periods. These two hours are reserved for department
student association. Students have their own academic conference so that
they can learn to do research
work.
