Introduction
Established as a department of the College of Arts in 1979, the Department of Philosophy at Tunghai University now offers a curriculum of philosophical education in its B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. programs. The department’s curriculum, by virtue of its equal emphasis on chinese and western philosophy throughout history, aims at preparing students not only to have a thorough understanding of both traditions of philosophical thinking, but also to appreciate different expressions of human rationality. Besides the course work, a M.A. thesis or a Ph.D. dissertation is required for graduate students. The thesis or dissertation submitted should be an original scholarly work by the student and worthy of acceptance. Doctoral students are required to pass a qualifying examination before submitting the dissertation. To facilitate the students’ research, the department runs its Philosophy Library that houses mainly philosophical works. All students are encouraged to practice critical thinking, to do independent research, to cultivate themselves in morality and aesthetic taste, and to realize the core values of humanity. Philosophy is to be pursued theoretically and practically.
Teaching and Research Development Priorities
In both research and teaching, this department aims to cover not only chinese but also western philosophy, and to promote theoretical reflection and practice equally. The expertise areas of the faculty members suit the aims of the department’s research and education well.
Dedicated to research and teaching evenly, the faculty members perform well in research. More and more research projects proposed by the faculty members have been granted by the NSC.
As to teaching, the department is engaged in creating an international milieu of learning by inviting foreign scholars to visit the department and increasing the number of courses taught in English. The department also vigorously helps students apply for international exchange to make them more competitive internationally.
Moreover, the department has been interested in exploring interdisciplinary topics and promoting interdisciplinary cooperation among scholars.
Prospects after Graduation
The study of philosophy trains students to think logically and to articulate clearly. Students also learn to grasp the essence of questions to search for solutions. Persons with such skills are suitable for management or decision-making.
Reference employment fields: marketing communications, printing and publishing, performing arts, journalism and communication, teaching, public administration, and general management.
Core Competencies
Undergraduate Students :
(A) Gaining a decent understanding of ideas in philosophy and mastering the essentials of philosophy in both the chinese and western traditions.
(B) Applying philosophical theories to facilitate critical thinking and innovation.
(C) Acquiring the ability of logical reasoning necessary for engaging in problem-tackling argumentation.
M.A./Ph.D. Students :
(A) Gaining the ability to critically examine philosophical ideas on the basis of original texts.
(B) Acquiring the ability to conduct independent research and teach courses in philosophy.
(C) Acquiring the ability to comparatively study Chinese and western philosophy in light of philosophical problems.
M.B.A. Students :
(A) Gaining the ability to understand philosophical theories.
(B) Acquiring the ability to conduct independent research.
(C) Developing the ability to solve problems in one’s life and career by applying ideas in philosophy.