When Han Feizi Meets AI Government
Abstract: Han Feizi (c. 280–233 BCE) was an ancient Chinese philosopher whose ideas greatly influenced Chinese political practice. He advocated for a bureaucratic government that functions like an “automated” machine. His argument is based on several key assumptions. First, the state is large and populous. Second, most humans are driven by self-interest and cannot be morally transformed on a massive scale. Accordingly, maintaining stability and order, alongside other administrative tasks, is highly challenging and complex. Furthermore, most rulers are mediocre, possessing limited political agency as well as personal passions and biases that can lead to problematic decision-making and the disruption of governmental operations. Given these factors, the ruler should not govern the state by himself, but rather through a rule-bound, impersonal bureaucratic administration staffed by professional bureaucrats. Moreover, because these bureaucrats are also self-interested and biased, the system must operate on criteria…
Event Categories: Lectures. Campus Locations: Tanner Irish Humanities Building - Carolyn (CTIHB). Contact Name: K'mwe Paw. Contact Phone: 801-581-8161. Contact Email: kmwe.paw@utah.edu. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Friday, October 2, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Lessons from Recently Published Book Authors, with tea and treats!
Please join us for the next College of Humanities Research Event, “Lessons from Recently Published Book Authors, with tea and treats!” In recent years, College of Humanities faculty have published a record number of acclaimed academic books.
This afternoon gathering will celebrate their work and make the publishing process more visible. It will take place on Friday, October 23rd from 3-4:30 pm in LNCO 2110. Presenting authors include: Leandra Hernández, Ashton Lazarus, Joe Metz, Melissa Parks, Susie Porter, Jeremy Rosen, Natalie Stillman-Webb, and Thomas Swenson.
For questions and to RSVP, please contact Robin Jensen at r.e.jensen@utah.edu.
Campus Locations: Language & Communication Bldg (LNCO). Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Friday, October 23, 2026, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM.
Thanksgiving
University Observed Holidays
Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Thursday, November 26, 2026.
Day After Thanksgiving
University Observed Holidays
Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Friday, November 27, 2026.
Christmas Day
University Observed Holidays
Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Friday, December 25, 2026.