Faith Cure For The Loss Of Humanism In Modern Universities

Abstract: In resent years, the loss of humanism has become a serious problem in the development of Chinese universities. From the point of view of faith- knowledge of modernity, over-emphasizing on knowledge is the main reason for the loss. Therefore, how to balance faith and knowledge in the development of universities is the basic step in solving the loss of humanism. Pragmatism is the main philosophy for Americans, but the present American universities still keep humanism alive. As the result, to trace the development of modern American universities in dealing with the relationship"faith-knowledge"can be helpful for solving the loss of humanism in Chinese universities.According to the different philosophical views in dealing with faith- knowledge, the development of modern American universities can be divided into three periods. The first period is faith-knowledge synthesis, from the Civil War to World War I. The second period is knowledge-dominated period, from the end of World War I to 1930s. The third period is faith-knowledge reconciliation period, from 1930s to 1960s. As far as the change of faith-knowledge relationship in the development of modern American universities to be concerned, there are three characteristics: a) great attention being paid to faith in the development of universities; b) the change of philosophical views being mainly the objective result; c) flexible, various measures being taken to protect the role of faith in universities. Based on the characteristics of the development of modern American universities, the basic measure of curing for the loss of humanism in Chinese universities is to put Confucianism in an important place. However, emphasizing on Confucianism doesn't mean rejecting knowledge, but means making faith and knowledge harmonious in universities, only by which can universities develop healthily.