On March 6, 2025, in honor of longtime Professor of Chinese Intellectual History, Dr. Josephine Chiu-Duke, the Department of Asian Studies held its first Capstone Lecture – a series established to recognize the Department professors’ retirement from teaching.
As doors opened for Dr. Chiu-Duke’s eagerly anticipated and featured lecture on Taiwan Democracy and the Chinese Humanistic Tradition, attendees were delighted by the tasty reception with Chinese dim sum favourites such as siu mai, har gow, and barbeque pork buns from local business Kam Wai Dim Sum.
More than 130 attendees, including current students, alumni, department professors, and members of the general public, filled the auditorium as the lecture began with warm introductory remarks from fellow Asian Studies professor Dr. Joshua Mostow and Department Head Dr. Sharalyn Orbaugh. The audience cheered as Dr. Josephine Chiu-Duke was honoured for her dedication to the Asian Studies Department. Having taught 125 classes over the span of thirty years, she has contributed so much of her time and knowledge to generations of students, as well as publishing, translating, and editing numerous works in addition to her immeasurable value, impact, and service to Chinese research.
Dr. Chiu-Duke’s lecture captivated the attention of attendees as she presented her valuable insights surrounding Taiwan’s remarkable and peaceful transition from authoritarian rule in the early 1990s to present-day liberal democracy. She framed Taiwan’s governing system as the sole existing example where Chinese culture and values are still embedded in Confucian tradition. Quoting from historical texts, Dr. Chiu-Duke explained how Confucius re-interpreted the Mandate of Heaven and established the foundation for the Chinese humanistic tradition. Confucius believed that all are equal in the eyes of Heaven, and thus services in governments should not just serve the ruler but more so the society as a whole – these are the values that Taiwan works to incorporate in its system. If China is serious about its “global civilization initiative”, Dr. Chiu-Duke advised that they see Taiwan and its democracy as a reference point instead of their target for annexation. Only then would China be able to earn respect as a superpower that practices what they preach.
At the end of Dr. Chiu-Duke’s presentation, an enthusiastic Q&A ensued which saw various participants expressing interest in the professor’s perspective of inequality in relation with Confucian thought and leadership. Questions surrounding current geo-political problems in the world such as how Taiwan might be affected by the new United States leadership were also made.
The night ended with a standing ovation for Dr. Josephine Chiu-Duke as attendees posed with her for pictures and asked further questions which she happily answered.
Watch Dr. Josephine Chiu-Duke’s lecture here:
