On the evening of August 19th, the launch event for Illuminating the Future with Ideas (Volume III), one of the Wangdao Reading Club’s Special Events for the 2024 Shanghai Book Fair, co-organized by the Shanghai Federation of Social Science Associations (SFSSA) and Shanghai Lexicographical Publishing House, was successfully held at the Century Publishing Hall of the Shanghai Exhibition Center.

Professor Gu Xiaoming from the School of History at FDU and Professor Yu Ming from the School of Law at ECUPL, as representatives of the authors, engaged in a “A Dialogue Between History and Modernity: The Intersection of Intelligence, Order, and Law.” Their exchange offered a thought-provoking intellectual feast for guests and readers in attendance.

Professor Gu Xiaoming explored the development of artificial intelligence (AI), analyzed the characteristics of current intelligent information society, and introduced the concept of “human intelligence.” He argued that although AI has made significant advances in simulating human thought and behavior, the uniqueness of “human intelligence” lies in its creativity, emotional depth, and accumulation of historical experience. Through rich case analyses, Professor Gu demonstrated the adaptability and flexibility of “human intelligence” in complex situations. These are qualities that current AI finds difficult to match. He emphasized that the uniqueness of “human intelligence” stems from our profound understanding of the world and our ability to make value judgments, which has been shaped by rich historical and cultural experiences. Professor Gu called for greater emphasis on fostering young people’s critical thinking and innovative abilities to ensure that they can fully utilize their unique “human intelligence” in the era of AI.

Professor Yu began with the ancient Greek tragedy Antigone and conducted an in-depth analysis of the inherent contradictions and tragic nature of law. He noted that Antigone is not only a tragedy that portrays the conflict between the individual and the state, between emotion and law, but also a profound revelation of the tragic nature of law itself. Professor Yu analyzed the characters’ actions and choices in the tragedy, as well as the ethical and legal principles behind these choices. He pointed out that law is not a mechanical, unchanging set of rules, but rather something that needs to seek balance and adapt to the ever-changing social environment. The formulation and implementation of law should fully consider the diversity and complexity of human nature, leaving some room for family, respecting emotions, and maintaining reverence for nature. Legal education and practice should cultivate man’s ability to understand the foundational principles of law in order to promote the harmonious development of law and society. 

Participants noted that this event was not only a promotion of the new book but also an in-depth discussion of the essence of intelligence and order, law and ethics. In our new context of raging growth of AI, it provoked thinking on important topics such as the relationship between AI and social development, between law and human affections. It is expected that the “Illuminating the Future with Ideas” series of lectures and books will foster the spirit of exploration and innovation among young people, acting as a guiding light on their journey of growth and brightening their prospective futures.