On June 19, the Advanced Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences (AI-HSS) hosted the eight “Humanities × Technology” Thinkers’ Forum. This forum, titled The Origin and Future Trends of Philosophy of Technology, featured Professor Carl Mitcham as the keynote speaker. Professor Carl Mitcham, Professor Emeritus of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at the Colorado School of Mines, is a world-renowned philosopher of technology. He served as the founding President of the Society for Philosophy and Technology (SPT, 1981–1983) and received its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022.  The forum was moderated by Professor Lei Ruipeng.

Professor Lei extended a warm welcome to Professor Mitcham for addressing the forum, and briefly introduced his research experience and outstanding achievements.

Professor Mitcham reviewed the development of philosophy of technology and reiterated its importance as interdisciplinary, socially responsible, and globalized. He pointed out that since its establishment in 1975, SPT (Society for Philosophy and Technology) has gradually introduced technical issues into mainstream philosophical topics, breaking down academic barriers centered on philosophy of science. Professor Mitcham emphasized that the core mission of SPT is to respond to the practical challenges brought by technological culture and promote philosophy from a professional ivory tower to cross-border cooperation and social responsibility. SPT's fifty years are a historical witness to the evolution of technological philosophy from the periphery to diversity, and also lay the foundation for building a global dialogue platform for the future.

During the communication session, faculty and students engaged in discussions around issues such as philosophy of technology, social ontology, and the relationship between individuals and society. Regarding the question of “whether society truly exists”, Professor Mitcham introduced a middle-ground viewpoint: although social structures and rules exist, individuals are ultimately the most real existences. Language and other social factors shape individuals, and individuals continue to grow through choice and reflection.

As demonstrated by the forum, the philosophy of technology is not only about technology itself, but also about how individuals position themselves, make choices, and take responsibility within the social structure. The development of technology calls for value reflection, individual awakening and participation, which is the key to a more ethical and profound technological future.