Research Areas

Technology and political philosophy, science as culture, critical theory of technology

My Ph.D. dissertation focuses on the theory and practice of technocracy in Republican China (1912-1949), aims to analyze the relationship between technocracy and development of modern Chinese technology and industry through an interdisciplinary method. In the early 20th century, Chinese intellectuals had been exploring the way for political reform. The expert politics, advocated by technocrats, had caused widespread concern and discussion in the prevalence of scientism. It gave birth to the earliest expert politicians who mastered modern science and technology knowledge and participated in the governance of the country. In 1932, the founding of the National Resources Commission marking the beginning of practice for technocracy. Technocracy not only promotes Chinese technology and industry in a short time but also breeds corruption and monopoly. Besides, I also pay attention to the ethical, political and social debates on emerging technologies, such as cognitive enhancement, gene editing and self-driving.