Address at the 2015 Graduate School
高知大学大学院総合人間自然科学研究科へ入学された皆さん、ご入学おめでとうございます。
皆さんは、大学における高等教育を修められ、これからさらに最先端の知識を修得し、最先端の研究を遂行するために大学院に進学されました。
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.
昨年ノーベル賞を受賞された中村教授は、「研究はギャンブルと似ている。やる気と同時にリスクをとることも重要」と言っており、研究は必ず成功するとは限りません。しかし、失敗を楽しむくらいの精神的余裕と、失敗を成功の種とする分析力と評価力、そして継続力があれば必ず良い成果を得ることができると信じております。それ故に、研究をやり遂げた先達の多くは、学部の学びとは比較にならない高い社会人力、そしてリーダーに求められる様々な能力を身につけているのであります。
さて、大学院では、皆さんの自由な発想のもとで、自由に研究することが保証されております。産業革命以来、自然科学は、産業との結びつきが強い科学技術に大きくシフトし、哲学的要素を失ってまいりました。それは、近代社会の発展に大きく貢献した一方で、地球の環境を破壊し、人類に健康被害をもたらしております。今や神の領域に足を踏み入れている二十一世紀の科学技術は、これまで以上に速いスピードで展開され、社会的影響も格段に大きく、一歩間違えれば人類を、そして世界を崩壊に導く危険性さえ孕んでおります。さらに、産業と直結した科学技術は、経済界の影響から逃れることが困難な時代になっており、場合によっては、企業倫理と研究倫理とは相反することもあり、研究不正を誘発することさえあります。だからこそ、研究者には高い倫理感、公正な自己批判精神と自制心が求められ、哲学をはじめとする人文社会科学による監視やコントロールが必要なのであります。研究成果を社会に公表し、専門家による審査を受けて論文にするだけでなく、一般社会からも、その価値と意義を評価され、理解されることが必要であります。第三者の審査を受けない研究成果は、研究者の自己満足に陥る危険性を孕んでいるということを、深く胸に刻み込んで下さることを期待しております。
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