Address at the 2015 Kochi University Graduate School Entrance Ceremony
To all new students admitted to the Graduate School of Integrated Human and Natural Sciences at Kochi University: Congratulations on your admission.
You have completed your undergraduate studies and have now entered graduate school to further acquire cutting-edge knowledge and conduct cutting-edge research.
Research is a process in which one draws upon a wealth of knowledge to identify unresolved areas, formulate hypotheses about what they entail, and prove the validity of those hypotheses through experiments and investigations—a process that involves continuously cycling through the PDCA cycle. In a sense, research is the ultimate form of learning through problem identification and problem-solving, and researchers are like captains of small boats adrift on the open sea, navigating toward their destination by the faint light of the stars.
To conduct research, one must not only acquire a wealth of knowledge and master advanced technical skills, but also possess a rich imagination and creativity, strong research and execution skills, and the ability to articulate findings effectively in a thesis. To develop these abilities, one must thoroughly read both past and recent scholarly works to understand the history and current state of the research field. Additionally, it requires cultivating the habit of identifying everyday challenges and engaging in sincere, in-depth discussions on a regular basis.In such a process, repeated failures and the need to revise plans are the norm; indeed, it is no exaggeration to say that the significance of research lies largely in the experience of failure.
Professor Nakamura, who won the Nobel Prize last year,“Research is like gambling. It is important to be motivated while also taking risks,” he said, noting that research does not always guarantee success. However, I believe that if one possesses the mental resilience to find joy in failure, the analytical and evaluative skills to turn failure into the seeds of success, and the perseverance to keep going, one will inevitably achieve good results. That is why many of those who have successfully completed their research have acquired a level of social competence far surpassing what is learned in undergraduate studies, as well as the various abilities required of a leader.
Now, in graduate school, you are guaranteed the freedom to conduct research based on your own creative ideas.Since the Industrial Revolution, the natural sciences have shifted significantly toward science and technology with strong ties to industry, losing their philosophical elements in the process. While this has contributed greatly to the development of modern society, it has also destroyed the Earth’s environment and caused harm to human health. Science and technology in the 21st century, now venturing into the realm of the divine, are advancing at a faster pace than ever before, with a vastly greater social impact; a single misstep could even pose the risk of leading humanity—and the world—to collapse.Furthermore, in an era where science and technology are directly linked to industry, it has become difficult to escape the influence of the business world. In some cases, corporate ethics and research ethics may conflict, even leading to research misconduct. This is precisely why researchers must possess a high sense of ethics, a spirit of fair self-criticism, and self-restraint, and why oversight and control by the humanities and social sciences—including philosophy—are necessary.It is not enough to simply publish research findings to society and have them reviewed by experts to produce a paper; it is also necessary for the general public to evaluate and understand their value and significance. I hope you will deeply take to heart the fact that research findings not subject to third-party review carry the risk of leading researchers into self-satisfaction.
While common sense is essential in education, research requires ideas that might even be considered unconventional. This is because common sense is based on what is already known, and in the realm of the unknown, common sense alone is often insufficient. Researchers should not ignore ideas that seem unconventional. It is also necessary to recognize that the path to discovery often lies precisely within the unconventional.Groundbreaking research stems from keen observation and ideas that transcend common sense. At the same time, however, researchers must acquire social common sense, a rich general education, a broad, bird’s-eye perspective, and keen insight. While believing in themselves, they must constantly ask themselves, “Is this really the right approach?” and engage in repeated discussion. I hope that you will keep these things in mind and devote yourselves wholeheartedly to your research. Finally, knowledge is a mixed bag—it contains both gems and stones. As you prepare to learn the flood of cutting-edge knowledge that will soon wash over you, I offer you the following words to conclude my address as president.
"Cultivating discernment is not just a matter of knowledge. If you rely too heavily on knowledge, your vision becomes clouded. Knowledge is the grime that accumulates on sensitivity and insight."
Intellect refers to one’s ability to think. While it is important to study diligently, even the latest research papers are products of the past. If you rely too heavily on past knowledge, you may fail to see what is right in front of you. Please remember that today’s evidence may no longer be valid tomorrow.
"If you rely on knowledge, your vision becomes clouded. Knowledge is the grime that accumulates on sensitivity and reason."
Congratulations on your admission.
April 3, 2015
Kochi University
President Hiroshi Wakiguchi