On September 9, 2025, the School of Philosophy at Fudan University officially welcomed its Class of 2029 during an opening ceremony held at the South Hall of Xianghui Hall. Presided over by Deputy Party Secretary Geng Zhaohua, the event was attended by the School's leadership, faculty, staff, newly appointed industry mentors for the Master of Applied Ethics program, and all incoming students.
The ceremony commenced with the national anthem. Professor Yuan Xin, Party Secretary of the School, then introduced the attending faculty and their primary research domains, offering new students insights into the academic expertise within the School.
Dean Zhang Shuangli, in her welcoming address, highlighted that the Class of 2029 enters under Fudan's new 3.0 educational reform initiative. She posed a central question to the newcomers: How can initial intellectual curiosity be transformed into substantive academic inquiry and research capability? Addressing the complexities of the modern world and challenges such as fragmented social existence and superficial engagement, Dean Zhang outlined two key pathways. First, she urged students to consciously embrace Fudan Philosophy's dual commitment to rigorous scholarship and deep thought, utilizing support structures like the tutorial system, classic reading groups, and academic workshops. Second, she encouraged students to move beyond conventional relational patterns by actively integrating into a vibrant scholarly community, thereby overcoming isolation and developing through collaborative reasoning and open dialogue. She concluded by underscoring the School's core values of truth-seeking and responsibility, urging students to draw upon this ethos for grounded reflection in an increasingly complex world.
Recognizing the vital role of mentorship, the School has assembled a dedicated team of tutors and counselors to guide students. Deputy Secretary Geng Zhaohua announced the lists of undergraduate tutors, PPE (Politics, Economics, and Philosophy) tutors, new mentors and class advisors for the Applied Ethics Master's program, and freshman class counselors. Appointments were formally made by Secretary Yuan Xin, Vice Dean Xu Bo (Undergraduate Studies), and Vice Dean Yin Jie (Graduate Studies). Secretary Yuan also presented welcome gifts to three new faculty members.
Professor Zhou Aimin, representing the faculty and serving as a counselor for doctoral students, delivered an inspirational speech. Identifying as a fellow newcomer, he connected his journey with that of the students. He noted the resilient growth of philosophy at Fudan University, countering narratives of decline. Addressing career concerns, he advised looking to the School's history and the methods of its predecessors. His core recommendations were to engage deeply with canonical texts and transcend disciplinary boundaries, thereby challenging the notion of humanities' impracticality and affirming the ultimate significant impact of philosophical training ("being of great use"). He cautioned against intellectual numbness and called for open dialogue and courageous action to change the status quo, invoking Marx's dictum on changing the world.
Student representatives then presented Professor Zhou with a Teacher's Day gift in appreciation.
Freshman representatives subsequently shared their perspectives and aspirations.
Undergraduate representative Zhang Zhanshuo addressed common misconceptions about philosophy's utility, arguing that while beyond mere practicality, philosophy is far from useless, proving especially relevant in addressing ethical challenges in technology and AI. He suggested philosophy offers tools to counter modern nihilism, fostering resilience, and stressed that its true essence lies in unifying knowledge with action. Despite initial uncertainties, he expressed resolve to pursue philosophy and encouraged peers to advance through reflection and practice.
Master's candidate Zhang Xiaoqi extended Teacher's Day greetings and reflected on her continued journey from undergraduate within the School. Citing Zhang Zai's "Western Inscription" – "In life, I serve with serenity; in death, I rest in peace", she illustrated philosophy's profound engagement with life's fundamental questions. She emphasized that philosophy must extend beyond the academy into reality. For graduate studies, she advocated not merely absorbing knowledge but actively creating new academic achievements, bridging traditional thought with contemporary issues, and taking up the mission to interpret, reconstruct, and disseminate Chinese cultural heritage, ensuring philosophy remains relevant and empowering.
Doctoral student Jin Qiyu, committed to philosophy as a lifelong pursuit, reflected on his path through bachelor's, master's, and now doctoral studies in the field. He stated that philosophy inherently engages with the unknown – in nature, knowledge, and society – and that perplexity and anxiety are integral to philosophical growth. For the doctoral journey ahead, he encouraged persistent commitment to thinking, dialogue, and creation in everyday practice. He highlighted the dual responsibility of pursuing academic excellence while embodying the high standards expected of Chinese scholars, urging everyone to approach the unknown with sincerity, fortitude, and openness, to pursue ideals collectively.
International student Sergio began with the proverb, "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now," praising China's pragmatic and action-oriented approach to global challenges. For him, philosophy felt like a calling, and he expressed deep admiration for the richness of Chinese philosophy in areas like ethics and metaphysics. Sharing his long-held "Chinese dream," he reminded everyone that the future is built through present action.
Following the speeches, all new students recited a solemn pledge, led by Shi Yahan of the School's Student Union and Youth League Committee, voicing their commitment and readiness for the academic journey ahead.
The ceremony concluded with the singing of the Fudan University school anthem.
The School of Philosophy extends its warmest wishes to the Class of 2029 for academic success and personal growth. May they embody the School's spirit of "Rooted in Scholarship, Guarding Thought, Leading the Times," navigating their philosophical explorations with integrity, innovation, and resolve.
