Obituary: Dr. Lee Tien Ming

The Department of Philosophy at The Chinese University of Hong Kong is profoundly saddened by the passing of Dr. Lee Tien Ming, our esteemed retired lecturer and a renowned philosopher, who passed away on November 26, 2025, at the age of 80.

An alumnus of our Department, Dr. Lee pursued advanced studies in North America and obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. He returned to our Department in 1975 as a lecturer and a dedicated educator for three decades until his retirement in 2005. Dr. Lee was a scholar of exceptional intellect, with a particular mastery of logic, critical thinking, and analytic philosophy.

Known for his incisive wit and rigorous approach to critical thinking, Dr. Lee was a legendary figure in the lecture hall. His courses were famously sought after, and his unique teaching style inspired generations of students to cultivate clarity of thought. His seminal works, including Lee Tien Ming’s Art of Thinking, The Philosopher-Walker, and Thinking Methods: A Logico-Linguistic Approach (all in Chinese), played a pivotal role in popularizing philosophy and promoting rational discourse within the Chinese-speaking world.

The loss of Dr. Lee is deeply felt by his colleagues, students, and the wider academic community. His legacy as a master of critical thinking and his profound impact on Hong Kong’s intellectual landscape will endure.

We also extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Department of Philosophy
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Dcecmber 1, 2025