1. History, Features, and Development Direction

Our institute was established in 1988 with foundational principles rooted in two main areas:
Firstly, the modernization of Chinese philosophy over the past century, and secondly, the modernization of the West since the Enlightenment era. In the process of absorbing Western philosophy, our focus shifted towards reorganizing traditional Chinese philosophy, leading to significant and innovative modern interpretations. The evolution of these philosophical trends involves the transformation of language in British and American philosophy at the turn of the 20th century, the rise of continental phenomenology, and the new reflections and philosophical developments spurred by modernization post-World War II, notably the rise of postmodern philosophy.

These trends critique and reshape the philosophical tradition stemming from Western modernization in diverse and complex ways, which no philosopher can afford to ignore. Additionally, the rapid development of modern society has introduced new moral debates, sparking an interest in applied philosophy and ethics.

Consequently, our institute centers its work around these three core areas of philosophical development:
1. Modern interpretation of Chinese philosophy
2. Contemporary Western philosophical developments
3. Research in applied philosophy and ethics
Our aim is to contribute to the internationalization and diversification of Chinese philosophy.




2. Curriculum and Faculty

Our institute's master's program revolves around three main course clusters:
modern interpretation of Chinese philosophy, applied ethics, and contemporary Western philosophy.

We also provide training in both Chinese and Western traditional philosophy to ensure a comprehensive academic foundation for our graduate students. A key focus is on research and thesis writing in modern interpretation of Chinese philosophy and applied ethics, offering our students distinctive and high-quality courses that align with our institute's strengths.
Since our establishment, we've developed close to one hundred specialized graduate-level courses, introducing approximately forty new courses annually. This places us at the forefront among philosophy institutes nationwide in terms of graduate course diversity.

In 1999, we launched a doctoral program concentrating on modern interpretation of Chinese philosophy and applied ethics. Distinguished scholars from various backgrounds have been invited to teach, ensuring our students receive thorough and enriching training. Our aim is to evolve into a research hub with global perspectives and expertise in local subjects, meeting the rising demand for applied ethics specialists and cultivating top-tier talent.

Furthermore, to enhance public awareness and involvement in applied ethics, we introduced master's and doctoral credit programs in 1999, offering diverse educational opportunities to the broader community.

Our faculty includes renowned scholars in modern interpretation of Chinese philosophy, either as permanent staff or adjunct professors and research mentors. Looking forward, we aim to attract and develop young scholars with international recognition, ensuring continuous and sustainable growth for our institute.




3. Research, Publication, Significant Academic Events, and Research Equipment

Not only has our institute's research and curriculum transcended the traditional modes of philosophy, venturing into diverse technological integration, but since its establishment in 1997, our institute has also launched the Applied Ethics Research Bulletin. This bulletin has invited professionals from various fields, such as doctors, medical professors, biochemists, engineering and environmental science professors, alongside philosophers, particularly those deeply rooted in traditional Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, as well as research experts. Together, they explore various topics in applied ethics, including AIDS, organ transplantation, pollution, surrogacy, human genetics, and internet ethics. These courses and activities not only contribute to the realization of our institute's philosophy but are also shared with scholars, experts, and the general public through publications and websites.
In the past three years, our institute's full-time teachers have received funding from the National Science Council and the Ministry of Education for four comprehensive, individual, or teaching research projects and have completed and reported on them. During these three years, our institute's teachers have collectively published over fifty domestic and international articles, six of which are monographs authored by our institute's teachers.
These research and publications are consistent with the philosophy of our institute and have become the hallmark of the Central University Philosophy Research Institute known in academic circles. Additionally, our institute has organized numerous international and domestic academic conferences, inviting scholars and experts from various fields to participate in discussions. Proceedings of nine of these academic conferences have been published.
Below is a list of academic conferences organized by our institute over the years:

Annual Academic Conferences:

  1990/National Central Library
  The First International Conference on Contemporary New Confucianism

  1992/National Central Library
  The Second International Conference on Contemporary New Confucianism

  1994/The Chinese University of Hong Kong
  The Third International Conference on Contemporary New Confucianism

  1996/National Central Library
  The Fourth International Conference on Contemporary New Confucianism

  1998/Shandong University
  The Fifth International Conference on Contemporary New Confucianism

  1991/National Central University, You-Yi Hall International Conference Hall
  The First International Conference on Management and Philosophy

  1992/National Central University, You-Yi Hall International Conference Hall
  The Second International Conference on Management and Philosophy

  1998/National Central University, You-Yi Hall International Conference Hall
  The Fourth International Conference on Management and Philosophy

  1995/National Taiwan Normal University, union Building International Conference Hall
  Seminar on the Reconstruction of Mr. Mou Zongsan's Philosophy and Chinese Philosophy

  1996/National Central University, You-Yi Hall International Conference Hall
  Seminar on Applied Philosophy and Cultural Therapy

  1997/National Central University, You-Yi Hall International Conference Hall
  Regional Conference on Applied Ethics

  1998/National Central University, You-Yi Hall International Conference Hall
  International Conference on Bioethics

  1997/National Taiwan Normal University, union Building International Conference Hall
  Academic Conference on Chinese Philosophy and Political Philosophy



Philosophy Institute's 'Core Competencies and Basic Attributes Comparison Table:

1. Educational Goals of the Philosophy Institute

    (1) To cultivate students' core competencies
    (2) To train students to care for society and apply their knowledge practically
    (3) To foster professional individuals capable of investigating and teaching Chinese philosophy with modern interpretation and Applied Ethics"


2. Core Competencies

Doctoral program
Theoretical Ideas
Ability to recognize and appreciate theories and concepts
Critical Creation
Ability to think critically and creatively
Research and Teaching
Ability to engage in research and teaching
Application of theory
Ability to apply theories and concepts
Appreciation of Humanities
Ability to recognize and appreciate arts and humanities
Global Interaction
Ability to participate in international exchange activities
Master program
Theoretical Ideas
Ability to recognize and appreciate ideas and theories
Critical Creation
Ability to think critically and creatively
Research and Teaching
Ability to engage in research and teaching
Application of theory
Ability to apply theory to practice
Appreciation of Humanities
Ability to appreciate arts and humanities
Chinese and foreign
thoughts
Ability to recognize and appreciate Chinese and
foreign thoughts
Master program for the On-the-Job
Theoretical Ideas
Ability to recognize and appreciate ideas and theories
Critical Creation
Ability to think critically and creatively
Research and Teaching
Ability to engage in research and teaching
Application of theory
Ability to apply theory to practice
Appreciation of Humanities
Ability to appreciate arts and humanities
Chinese and foreign
thoughts
Ability to recognize and appreciate Chinese and
foreign thoughts


Degree Requirements:

Required Graduation Coursework
Duration of Study
Other Requirements
Doctoral Program 2-7 years of study completion of 25 credits
Master Program 1-4 years of study completion of 24 credits
Master Program for the on the job
1-4 years of study completion of 28 credits
Doctoral Program of Ethics Medical
2-7 years of study completion of 28 credits