100 Years of Tradition and New Challenges for the Future

　Economics differs in a fundamental way from the natural sciences. While the natural sciences deal with tangible materials, economics concerns not only material phenomena but also the social behavior of human beings. The analysis of human social behavior—particularly the identification of problems and the formulation of theories—inevitably reflects people’s values and sense of purpose. These values and purposes vary widely among individuals and evolve across generations. The study of such differences belongs to the domains of moral philosophy and logic. Indeed, tracing the roots of economics reveals that the discipline originally emerged as a branch of moral philosophy.

　Since its inception, economics has aspired to become a science comparable to the natural sciences. Yet it has always rested on a foundation of moral philosophy, emphasizing individual values and purposes. Economics therefore possesses two inseparable dimensions: a scientific dimension and a moral (or moral-scientific) dimension. We encourage undergraduate students to remain mindful of these dual aspects as they pursue their studies.

　During the first two years of undergraduate study, it is essential to take courses that build economic and management literacy and provide training in mathematical and quantitative analytical techniques. These courses foster logical thinking skills. However, technical proficiency alone is not sufficient for studying economics. Students must also develop the ability to understand contemporary economic and social systems from a broader perspective, interpret them meaningfully, and articulate their ideas in their own words. Cultivating this broader capacity requires engagement with the humanities, where students encounter diverse ideas and philosophies, as well as with fields that employ narrative approaches to learning.

　The same holds true for graduate students. When writing academic papers, they must organize complex ideas—often still in the early stages of development—and express them clearly. Without this ability, research concepts and findings remain unrefined, making it difficult to produce high-quality scholarly work.

　In 2014, we celebrated the 90th anniversary of the Faculty of Economics. To commemorate the occasion, we hosted four memorial symposia featuring invited speakers from Japan and abroad, all centered on the theme of “Globalization.” As globalization entered a new phase in the early 21st century, we confronted challenging questions about the future of education. In response, the faculty established the Global Diploma Program in Economics (GProE) to cultivate globally oriented human resources within the undergraduate curriculum.

　This program aims to develop professionals equipped with systematic and specialized knowledge of both international and local economies—skills essential in today’s globalized world. Students selected for the program acquire advanced expertise along with strong English communication, presentation, and discussion skills grounded in their academic training.

　In 2024, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Faculty of Economics. Looking ahead, we remain committed to working closely with both undergraduate and graduate students to develop new approaches to education and research. Through integrated efforts across the faculty and graduate schools, we will continue striving to meet the demands of an increasingly globalized era.