Associate Professor, Doctor of Philosophy Duong Van Thinh and his contributions to the Department of Philosophy.

Born and raised in Lien Ha commune, Dong Anh district, Hanoi city, Associate Professor, Doctor, and Meritorious Teacher Duong Van Thinh graduated from Hanoi University with a degree in Mathematics in 1976. Due to the need to train a new scientific field – Philosophy – at that time, a number of cadres who graduated from natural and social sciences were sent to study at the Nguyen Ai Quoc Party School to later teach and train students in Philosophy. Professor Duong Van Thinh was one of them. He was sent to study at the Nguyen Ai Quoc Advanced Party School, Branch 5, and received his diploma in 1979.

After completing his studies, he was assigned to work at the Department of Philosophy, University of Hanoi (now the University of Social Sciences and Humanities) from 1979 to the present. At that time, the Department of Philosophy had only been established for 3 years. He was one of the first pillars of the Department, participating in teaching the first batches of students in the nascent Philosophy program.

Associate Professor, Doctor, Distinguished Teacher Duong Van Thinh

Associate Professor Dr. Duong Van Thinh has always been passionate and dedicated to his profession. His love for philosophy blossomed unexpectedly. At that time, this new and abstract field of science discouraged many students. To ensure the survival of the Philosophy Department and retain students, he, along with the first generations of faculty members such as Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Chi Hieu, Professor Nguyen Huu Vui, Professor Bui Thanh Quat, etc., wholeheartedly encouraged and motivated students, instilling in them a passion for philosophy. In 1985, he was sent to study for a doctoral degree in the Soviet Union and successfully defended his PhD in Philosophy in 1990.

Upon returning to Vietnam and the Faculty of Philosophy, he devoted himself entirely to research, teaching, and imparting the valuable knowledge he had acquired abroad to his students. Having studied Marxism-Leninism from its fundamental principles and systematically absorbed scientific knowledge from a modern education, he was always acutely aware of his responsibility to his field, his profession, his students, and the nation's philosophy. Countless generations of students have listened to his lectures and received from him a pure and systematic understanding of Marxism-Leninism. Despite the changing times, in him, one still sees a shining belief in the goodness and humanistic values ​​of Marxism-Leninism as it focuses on humanity and its true happiness.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, when the socialist system faced crisis and collapse, the greatest challenge came to Philosophy in particular and the theoretical disciplines of Marxism-Leninism in general. Professor was one of those steadfast individuals who firmly steered this field of science through the changing times. He always encouraged his colleagues to be creative, innovate teaching methods, and connect theory with practice to help students deeply and thoroughly understand theoretical issues, making Philosophy feel close to life. The scientific value and humanitarian spirit of Marxism-Leninism have always been the driving force and goal that motivates him to strive and dedicate his passion to his research and teaching of Philosophy.

Throughout his career in education and research, Associate Professor Duong Van Thinh played a significant role in establishing the Department of Marxist-Leninist Philosophy. Furthermore, his contributions have been invaluable to the growth and development of the Faculty of Philosophy today. Philosophy is a unique science, always directly linked to practical issues, closely following and guiding them. In the country's reform process, with its strategic vision, the Party has clearly recognized the role of theoretical thinking in social life, in human understanding and practical activities. The Faculty of Philosophy has also undergone reforms, spearheaded by leading professors and associate professors. Many new departments were established, later separating from the Faculty of Philosophy to form independent disciplines that have flourished, such as Sociology, Psychology, and Social Management. Through his concrete and meaningful contributions, he has made immense contributions to the overall development of the university.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Duong Van Thinh was the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy (1998-2008).

Generations of students will always remember Associate Professor Dr. Duong Van Thinh as an exemplary teacher, always dedicated and wholeheartedly committed. His lectures were always exemplary, with rich knowledge and rigorous logic. His years of study in the Soviet Union helped him develop a philosophical mindset, acquiring rich and systematic knowledge from a modern education system. In his lectures, he instilled in generations of students not only knowledge but also faith, a scientific materialist worldview, and a revolutionary philosophy of life, helping them form a positive outlook and ideal for life. He always demonstrated dedication to his profession, constantly reflecting on and innovating in his teaching and scientific research. Associate Professor Dr. Duong Van Thinh has participated in management for many years, holding the position of Vice Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy. Currently, he is the Head of the Department of Marxist-Leninist Philosophy, a large and important department of the Faculty of Philosophy.

The main research directions that he continues to pursue are still issues of Marxist-Leninist philosophy in both theoretical and practical aspects: issues in the classics, Marxist dialectics, philosophy in natural sciences, political and social issues of the present era, etc. These are truly challenging issues that require not only philosophical thinking but also a truly scientific, revolutionary, and creative methodology for interpretation.

With all his passion, considering philosophy his "calling," the professor is always concerned about how to create the best quality lectures and textbooks for students. He has actively written textbooks and lecture materials to support his teaching, including several important textbooks widely used in undergraduate and postgraduate philosophy programs within the national education system. In addition, he has published numerous articles and scientific reports with profound and systematic philosophical thinking in prestigious specialized scientific journals and proceedings of national and international scientific conferences.

Associate Professor Dr. Duong Van Thinh is a highly respected professional and a member of the faculty. He consistently cares for and nurtures the younger generation within the department and faculty, fostering unity and mutual support for progress. He is also always cautious in his speech and conduct. He confided: "After all, Philosophy is a very unique science, and its close interaction and connection with politics is inevitable. A philosophy professor is not only a teacher who explains the science but also has the responsibility to guide students to maintain their faith, optimism, and positive attitude towards life." He has fulfilled this duty through his example, his beliefs, and his own character.

Many times, during interactions with numerous Philosophy students, Professor Duong Van Thinh said: "If I could choose again in life, I would still choose to teach Philosophy." That's right, a difficult, dry, and abstract field of science, yet once you've entered it, the passion is hard to let go of. As those who followed him, as students of Associate Professor, Doctor, and Meritorious Teacher Duong Van Thinh, I believe and empathize with what he said. The prestigious title of Meritorious Teacher bestowed upon him by the State rightfully honors and recognizes his valuable contributions and the noble character of a teacher in the truest sense of the word.