The third IAS x Interdisciplinary Academic Party organized by IAS was successfully held on 10 April, 2024, at the Cultural Building. The theme of the party was “Interdisciplinary Dialogue between Law and Science”, which was hosted by Prof. Shui Bing from FLL. Prof. Zhai Xiaobo, Associate Professor of FLL, Prof. Wan Feng, Associate Professor of FST, and Prof. Hu Yuanjia, Professor of the Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences also participated in the party as speakers.

At the start of the party, Prof. Shui posed a question about how AI technology can improve the comprehensibility of traditional Chinese medical treatment. Prof. Hu explained that traditional Chinese medical treatment is based on a holistic approach and AI technology allows for the interpretation of it. However, it will take time before it can be practiced in an understandable way. The professors also discussed topics such as the prospects of brain-computer combinations and their impact on life, as well as designing algorithms for self-driving vehicles from a utilitarian perspective. According to Prof. Wan, this technology can benefit various fields such as education, medical care, entertainment, and military by providing a better understanding of the brain and its mode of operation. Prof. Wan and Prof. Zhai discussed the applications and limitations of brain-computer integration. Prof. Zhai explained the concept of utilitarianism and highlighted its limitations. From a utilitarian perspective, algorithms should be designed to calculate and perform actions in an altruistic manner. Additionally, the design of automatic driving algorithms should be regulated by the government through unified legislation.

The professors discussed various topics related to law, including its relationship with morality, science, and public opinion. Prof. Zhai emphasized that law is a branch of science and its purpose is to seek the truth, with the only difference being the conditions under which judgments are made. In general, the purpose of law is to serve the macro-moral project of minimizing pain and maximizing pleasure. However, in specific legal norms, there is no relationship between law and morality. Additionally, it was emphasized that judicial decisions should not be influenced by public opinion. Prof. Shui expressed a contrasting view, arguing that law is not a science and that there is no single correct solution. The professors also discussed the possibility of implementing a safety valve for AI technology. Prof. Wan and Prof. Hu discussed the risks and benefits of AI technology. According to Prof. Wan, it is important to address technological risks from the very beginning to ensure that technology serves us better. Prof. Hu commented on the similarities between science and Chinese medical sciences.

During the Q&A session, some students suggested that there are theories suggesting that human beings cannot create strong or super AI. However, Prof. Wan pointed out that based on the trend of technological development, we can get infinitely close to achieving this goal. The group also discussed topics such as law and morality, Chinese medical sciences, and interdisciplinary research. According to Prof. Shui, the law should establish a minimum standard of life. Legal evaluations should be based on past behavior, not future behavior. Prof. Hu distinguished between two fields of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chinese Herbal Medicine. Regarding the issue of interdisciplinarity, professors have noted that in the current era, interdisciplinary conditions facilitate innovation. Researchers must identify gaps in their own knowledge, locate intersections between disciplines, mobilize resources, and solve problems.

At the final wrap-up session, the professors shared their views on the topic. Prof. Hu Yuanjia emphasized the importance of cross-disciplines. Prof. Wan Feng suggested that we should understand, utilize, and contemplate the research on AI, despite the risks involved. He also expressed his belief that through multi-party cooperation, humans can use their wisdom to ensure the proper development of AI and secure a better future. Prof. Zhai Xiaobo suggested that a problem is a phenomenon that causes pain and prevents us from pursuing happiness. All problems have a correct answer. According to Prof. Shui Bing, we should be more concerned about the series of problems brought by today’s AI, such as the degradation of human ability, the disappearance of the sense of experience, and the degradation of social relationships. These are more urgent problems.

The IAS x Interdisciplinary Academic Party aims to strengthen research activities among scholars and students, enhance connections between them, and stimulate innovative thinking and academic exploration. The event attracted students from various disciplines and fields, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

The second IAS x Interdisciplinary Academic Party organized by IAS was successfully held on 21 March at the Common Room, Cultural Building. The theme of the party was “The Art and Humanities”. Prof. Jun Li, Chair Professor and Head of the Department of Arts and Design of FAH, and Prof. Wang Di, Associate Director of IAS and Distinguished Professor of the Department of History of FAH, were invited as speakers.

Prof. Wang highlighted the role of artistic imagination in micro-history within historiography. By combining art and historical techniques, historians can craft captivating narratives. Art and history share commonalities: both provide insights from a broader perspective and analyze details gradually, similar to how artists paint. Additionally, they exhibit a hierarchical structure. Viewing a city from afar lacks clarity, but approaching it reveals intricate features like city walls and neighborhoods. This method of studying a city involves observing it from various distances: far, medium, and close-up.

Afterwards, Prof. Li expressed his thoughts through the lens of history. In compiling a cross-cultural art history chronicle, one encounters textual images that remain as the last remnants of a lost scene from the past. The goal is not to share experiences with those who have been in the past but to bring them selectively to the present. Just like a live broadcast of a soccer match, the audience can witness dodging and shooting, but these actions are not always authentic, as they have been edited, selected, and merged. These are what we call the building blocks of history, as well as the components of art.

The two professors subsequently engaged in a conversation regarding the interplay between comics, humanities, and art. Comics, being socially critical in nature, often spearhead movements for ideological liberation. However, they are also the first to be suppressed during periods of political tension. Prof. Wang advocates for the importance of individuals expressing their opinions and suggestions with courage. Conversely, Prof. Li emphasizes the observation of natural patterns in history and encourages students to maintain composure and stability during challenging times.

At the end of the party, a student asked a philosophical question about professors’ ultimate goals in life. Prof. Wang laughed heartily and said, “If I must answer this philosophical question: where to go? My answer will be to the grave.”

The event attracted nearly 100 students and faculty members to participate. It is obvious that the interdisciplinary atmosphere during the party was strong, and all these could never have happened without the two professors for their brilliant efforts to bring us a wonderful academic feast. The aim of the IAS interdisciplinary academic party is to enhance the interdisciplinary research activities of the faculties and students on campus as well as to strengthen the ties between students and scholars, and to stimulate innovative thinking and academic exploration.