Programmes
Philosophy is important. Philosophy is also of enormous and enduring interest. Philosophy at CUHK is the largest philosophy department in Hong Kong and a leading center of research and teaching in the field in Asia. Our courses cover a variety of topics and philosophies in both the Western and Eastern traditions, from the ancient times to the present. We are dedicated to a strong liberal arts education that equips student with a high level of crucial skills that are transferable to many different fields.
These skills include: preciseness and clarity in written and oral communication; clear and disciplined thinking and analysis; argumentation; and problem solving. With these skills, our students are prepared for a wide variety of career paths.
We offer a rich mentoring environment and a rigorous, rewarding curriculum, supported by a strong team of teachers trained in Asia, Europe, and North America.
We foster a vibrant learning and academic environment by organizing and sponsoring a variety of teaching and research activities, such as academic exchanges, public lectures, conferences, and academic visiting programs.
For the Love of Wisdom
Offered by the largest philosophy department in Hong Kong, the undergraduate programme in Philosophy at CUHK prepares its students for advanced research in philosophy and equips them with critical thinking and outstanding communication skills. In two consecutive years, since 2017, the programme has been ranked first among all peer programmes in Asia according to the QS University ranking by subject.
‘Ever since the time when Prof. Tang Chun-I was the first Chairman, the Department has firmly established itself as a stronghold of Chinese philosophy. Built on such a legacy, the Department further developed and adopted the integrated approach to structure its research and teaching, with equal emphasis on Chinese and comparative philosophy, Anglo-American philosophy and Continental and European philosophy,’ remarked Prof. Cheung Kam-ching Leo, former Chairman of the Department of Philosophy at CUHK.
Kwok Ting Cheung, fresh graduate in the Department of Philosophy, recollects his processing in choosing the discipline.
Ting Cheung chose Philosophy for a few reasons, beginning with the fact that he found the subject intellectually stimulating and fulfilling. In choosing to pursue the subject at CUHK specifically, Ting Cheung expounds that the University’s diverse curriculum ‘allows students to explore a wide range of philosophical issues from different cultures and develop their interests with flexibility,’ without compromising vibrant foundations of philosophical traditions taught by esteemed scholars in contemporary academic.
After five years with the Philosophy CUHK, Ting Cheung reaffirms that Professors and senior students continue to inspire and impress him.
He further shares: ‘During lessons, students are highly encouraged to analyze or pose questions on certain issues; sometimes I would spend hours or even days thinking about a certain philosophical issue, but usually to no avail. Nevertheless, it never fails to amaze me that teachers and tutors in the same lesson would be a step ahead in offering responses or critiques to my questions. They motivate me to further explore the subject at hand and come up with more creative perspectives of old and new issues.’
‘I would say the thing that I cherish the most in this programme is the relationships that I have built with my fellow classmates,’ Ting Cheung says. As the Philosophy Department generally admits only up to 35 student each academic year, Ting Cheung feels rather than acquaintanceship, he is able to build solid connections with classmates who are always excited to engage in philosophical discussions. He adds these are friends who are ‘willing to just sit down in a cafe, grab a coffee and talk about philosophy for hours.’
Each year, 28–35 new students join the Department’s undergraduate programme. To help these new students get used to life as a Philosophy major at CUHK, a mentorship system was introduced more than 10 years ago. In recent years, full-time lecturers are assigned to mentor new students during their first year of study. At least two to three meetings are held between the students and the lecturers each semester.
‘After they have declared their majors and entered the Philosophy programme, the students are encouraged to pursue a minor discipline. Our curriculum provides sufficient freedom for them to explore whatever subjects they may be interested in,’ said Prof. Cheung.
The programme reaches beyond popularized forms of Philosophy to touch base with deep, contextual frameworks, and Kwok Ting Cheung has been enlightened. ‘Studying in this programme changed my view towards Philosophy as a subject. To be frank, I did not have a thorough conception of what Philosophy is, and what studying it entailed before engaging in the program; most of the materials that I consumed prior to my study were designed for the popularization of philosophy. Although entertaining and thought-provoking, they were not the full representation of immersion into the programme,’ he shared.
We are trained to read and write extensively, as well as to articulate our ideas in research papers and during in-class discussions.
Ting Cheung continued, “even until now, I do not dare to say that I fully understand what ‘Philosophy’ is, as it is still debatable just like every other issue in the subject; however, due to the dialectical nature of philosophy, I have learnt to comprehend the philosophical texts under the socio-cultural contexts that gave rise to some of the ideas the philosophers proclaimed during the era when the texts were written.’
Furthermore, the training available in the programme has refined Ting Cheung’s work-related skills. ‘Due to the nature of philosophy, students are trained to read and write extensively. This in turn has contributed to the development of my critical mindset and creative abilities, which are applicable and advantageous to carving my career path,’ he said.
Continuing on the impact of training, Ting Cheung said, ‘they make me more conscious to global affairs whether concerning politics, society or morality, which are all aspects of philosophical inquiries; it definitely contributes towards the betterment of my personality as well.’
The Department of Philosophy also works closely with its alumni to arrange placement opportunities for its undergraduate students in various sectors, such as culture, publishing, advertising, movie and television, theatre and education. Students not only gain valuable working experience, but also develop skills and networks beneficial to their career development.
‘Choosing CUHK’s undergraduate programme in Philosophy is hands down one of the most worthwhile choices I have ever made. Philosophy is not an easy subject to undertake; vast and complex ideas could be intimidating to a lone, untrained pupil, but with the mentorship and aid from teachers and classmates, the subject has been very much manageable and enjoyable,’ said Ting Cheung.
To the thinkers who are intrigued in Philosophy but hesitant to take that leap, Ting Cheung encourages: ‘come join us, and I assure you will find yourself in a journey that you will never forget. You might not find all the answers in life, if any, but I guarantee that the journey along the way will be more than worthwhile.’
Published: Summer 2017
Last Updated: Summer 2022