Participating in the 2025 "Jilin University - University of Cambridge Mentor Program" has been a transformative academic odyssey that deepened my engagement with the philosophy of science—particularly at the dynamic intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and foundational metaphysical inquiries. The program’s rigorous academic ethos and profound mentorship empowered me to explore my core interest in AI through a philosophical lens, translating abstract curiosities into systematic, rigorous investigations.
I vividly recall delving into questions such as "non-human modality" in AI cognition, the ontological status of large-scale machine learning systems, and the shifting epistemic "center of gravity" in a post-AI society. These probing inquiries garnered thoughtful and incisive responses from distinguished professors and accomplished senior students alike. Their guidance not only resolved conceptual ambiguities but also ignited a deeper curiosity to unpack the far-reaching philosophical implications of technological progress. My term paper, which examines whether AI poses a challenge to realism from a constructive empiricist standpoint, emerged as the culmination of these explorations. It afforded me the opportunity to apply the academic methodologies and resources (including the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy and PhilPapers) introduced during the program to a topic of profound personal and scholarly passion.
Beyond knowledge acquisition, the program significantly refined my academic competencies. Engaging with English-language lectures, participating in rigorous critical discussions, and adhering to the University of Cambridge’s exacting writing standards elevated both my English proficiency and scholarly rigor. More importantly, it fostered a pivotal realization: philosophical inquiry into AI extends beyond technical considerations to a fundamental reevaluation of humanity’s place in an increasingly technologized world. This experience elevated my academic aspirations, compelling me to hold myself to higher standards and pursue more nuanced, interdisciplinary research endeavors.
This program transcended the boundaries of a conventional academic course—it served as a powerful catalyst for intellectual growth. It equipped me with the analytical tools, interdisciplinary perspectives, and unwavering confidence to continue exploring the complex interplay between AI, science, and philosophy. I am eager to carry these invaluable insights forward as I advance in my academic journey.
