‘Everything starts with knowledge’
“Knowledge is the keyword for the University of Humanistic Studies, both in education and in research. Our primary task in education is to impart knowledge to our students, to teach them how knowledge is created and how to apply a critical perspective to it.
Our education and research are in line with the urgent debates taking place in society: how do we relate to issues such as climate change, polarisation and growing inequality? And how do we deal with life’s major events, such as grief and loss? Knowledge development is also essential in this regard. In this way, we not only connect the UvH with society, but also contribute to the creation of new connections within society.”
A renewed humanistic perspective
“Traditionally, humanism, as it emerged in response to the horrors of the Second World War, focused on promoting individual freedom. Never again would the system be allowed to take precedence over the individual. The UvH was also founded on this classical humanism, in which individual freedom and responsibility go hand in hand: as a human being, you always make choices and must relate to your own values. You can never hide behind dogmas or rules.
This humanism has led to many good things, but we now see that more is needed. Individual considerations are not enough. Putting personal interests first has led to the depletion of nature and the climate and to growing polarisation and segregation in society. This necessitates a new form of humanism, and we at the UvH see it as our task to develop this further. This means critically examining existing humanistic principles and then making room for new questions, such as those concerning sustainability and climate change, or diversity and inclusion. I welcome the development of both new theoretical perspectives and research focused on the impact on society.”
New partnerships
“As a university with a philosophical foundation, we’re in a unique spot compared to other general universities. We’re not afraid to ask tough questions, which lets us move between the academic world and society. We’re not afraid to ask critical questions about society as it is, with the goal of helping make it more humane and fair for everyone.
Our collaborations are always based on knowledge, and we believe that collaborations with social partners can help us to take that knowledge to a higher level. A good example of this are our training programmes for professionals, through the UvH Academy, where we make academic knowledge applicable in interaction with practice.
A second example of the broadening we have been seeking in recent years is the research we are conducting within the Meaningful Artistic Research network in collaboration with the University of Applied Arts HKU. We see that the way people experience art is similar to the way philosophy shapes people’s lives. Both add a dimension to the way people relate to others and themselves. This enriching dimension is necessary for human flourishing. This research programme therefore makes a significant contribution to our knowledge development and, as a result, to society.
We want to further expand our collaboration with the professional arts sector in the coming years. This will strengthen our expertise, and conversely, we will add a new dimension to research in the arts with humanistic studies. Everything starts with knowledge. The continuous development of knowledge connects us within the university and, beyond that, with society. We must always keep the door to society open.”