SFL had the honor to have invited Prof. Dr. Walter Schweidler,aGermany professor of philosophyofKatholische Universität Eichstätt-Ingolstadt (KU)andlecture professor of Sichuan University(SCU). Accompanied by his student He Nian, a research associate from Philosophy Department of SCU, and Prof. Hua Shaoxiang from German department of SFL, Prof. Dr. Walter Schweidler took a lecture on the title ofBetween Philosophy and Poeticsat the Academic Hall on Sept. 17th, 2018, which was hosted by associate Prof. He Jun, appealing to students of German department at all academic level, and those outside school, at home and abroad.

For a better audience’s understanding, Prof. Dr. Walter Schweidler introduced to his topic in an unhurried way, from basic philosophical concepts to development history of Philosophy since ancient Greece, from theoretical framework to philosophical paradigm, leading the audience into great thoughts of Plato, Aristotle and other philosophers. Then, Prof. Dr. Walter Schweidler turned to his encountering with Philosophy, telling his life experience in a humorous tone. He was born in the south of Germany and served as a teacher in a local university after graduation. Latter, due to occupation mobility, he had went for Ruhr region before finally returned to his birth place. During his narration, the audience occasionally gave a knowing smile for the flash of philosophical wisdom and then plunged in contemplation. When it came to the development of philosophy nowadays, Prof. Dr. Walter Schweidler expressed his regret for the decline of Philosophy that it has changed from the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom to a useless discipline, according to him, which was associated with the position change of university in society. Furthermore, he sharply pointed out that at present philosophical study was no longer labelled with eurocentrism but dedicated to the communication, exchange and dialog in Philosophy between West and East. That’s also what “Jiaotong” of the name of the School, Southwest Jiaotong University, is essentially about.

After the lecture, several students came up with their questions and had a discussion with Prof. Dr. Walter Schweidler regarding the difference between Philosophy and religion, Philosophy and superstition, eastern philosophy and western philosophy, etc. The lecture has lasted for nearly two and a half hours, ending with a round of applause.