On November 26, Professor Fons Dewulf from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) was invited to visit and delivered an in-depth lecture themed “The History of the Philosophy of Science in the 20th Century”. He delved into logical empiricism, theories of scientific explanation, the professionalization of the philosophy of science, and the impacts of the two World Wars on the scientific community and philosophical thought.

Prof. Dewulf explored the evolving responsibilities and roles of scientists and philosophers amid wars and social transformations, emphasizing that the philosophy of science not only focuses on scientific cognition itself but also concerns the positioning of science in society and the practice of its values.

Prof. Zeng Yong, Dean of AI-HSS, and Professor Wan Xiaolong, along with other experts and scholars, attended the lecture and engaged in discussions with the speaker on topics such as the practical significance of the philosophy of science, scientific ethics, and technological governance. This exchange provided important insights for advancing interdisciplinary research on philosophy and technological ethics at the Institute.