Tong Shijun (Department of Philosophy, East China Normal University)
Abstract: In last few decades Chinese universities have developed tremendously in material, technical and professional terms. During this period there has been another change that is perhaps more important, though less prominent, one I would like to call a “cultural turn” of Chinese universities, which is expressed most clearly in the fact that many people, especially university leaders, are talking about the idea of the university in general and the ideas guiding particular universities. In this chapter I try to describe this phenomenon and explain its background and implications.
About the HYI Working Paper Series: The Harvard-Yenching Institute is pleased to make available working papers by HYI affiliated scholars on topics in the humanities and social sciences, with special attention to the study of Asian culture.
The HYI Working Paper Series welcomes submissions from all HYI-affiliated faculty and fellowship grantees (including graduate students). Scholars are invited to post papers either in English or in an Asian language. To submit a paper, please email strogatz@fas.harvard.edu.
The views expressed in the HYI Working Paper Series are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the Harvard-Yenching Institute. HYI Working Papers have not undergone formal review and approval. Such papers are included in this series to elicit feedback and to encourage discussion. Copyright belongs to the author(s). Papers may be downloaded for personal use only, and may not be cited without the author’s permission.