Professor Joachim Duyndam

Joachim Duyndam is full professor of humanism and philosophy:

“At the University of Humanistic Studies, meaning-oriented learning plays a major role in our education. Students acquire knowledge through an open and inquisitive and also critical attitude. Scientific knowledge is not about definite truths, but is basically characterised by critical discussion and debate. In the course of their learning, students become participants in these debates, rather than mere observers. They develop from readers keeping up with science into co-writers of scientific knowledge. As a lecturer I fulfil a mediating role in that process, and I find that a beautiful thing.

The knowledge acquired is value-driven, context-related and application-oriented. It is our answer to the complexity of reality. Not staying on the sidelines, but being part of this world: coursing, navigating, making contact – what does it take to do that? Empathy, creativity, and the ability to apply different perspectives are the building blocks of this meaning-oriented learning, and students acquire these building blocks during the Humanistic Studies programme.

As a lecturer I teach philosophy. I usually work with source texts in my lectures; I work with the students to make the sources accessible. It requires searching and thinking and trying to make things fit, and it leads to the ‘co-creation’ of knowledge.

For me, it is a great experience every time to witness the birth of a new insight, not only in students but also in myself as a lecturer and researcher. It impresses and emotionally moves me on an intellectual level. It’s the most beautiful reward imaginable for the hard work that we call studying.”

Joachim Duyndam is full professor of humanism and philosophy: 'For me, it is a great experience every time to witness the birth of a new insight, not only in students but also in myself as a lecturer and researcher.'