[Yangtze Forum] Professor Liu Shaojie from Renmin University of China Delivers the 218th Lecture at Yangtze Forum

On the afternoon of May 26, 2025, Professor Liu Shaojie from the Research Center for Sociological Theory and Methods at Renmin University of China delivered an academic lecture titled " Profound Societal Transformation Driven by Artificial Intelligence and the Severe Challenges Facing Sociological Research" at the 218th Yangtze Forum, which was held in the academic lecture hall of the School of Sociology.

Prof. Liu began by systematically elaborating on how AI is profoundly reshaping society, covering aspects such as the rapid and profound revolution in contemporary social productivity, the consequent revolution in production relations, the inevitable shift in the superstructure, and the essential characteristics of the new social formation. Using high-tech internet companies as case studies, he conducted an in-depth analysis of how AI technology is not only reshaping the production and organizational logic of traditional industries but also reconstructing social networks through algorithmic recommendations and platform-based economic models. He emphasized that the efficiency-first principle driven by technology is accelerating changes in the rules of social resource allocation.

Professor Liu argued that in the face of social structural transformation and the practical challenges of disciplinary theoretical innovation, traditional sociological theories can no longer adequately explain rapidly evolving social realities. Citing examples such as the nonlinear interactions within WeChat communities and the virtualization of spatial mobility, he pointed out that sociological research must transcend disciplinary boundaries, integrating insights from fields like the philosophy of technology and data science to construct more robust theoretical frameworks. He also stressed the need to move beyond the "technological instrumentalism" perspective and focus on the deeper cultural and value conflicts behind technological developments.

During the Q&A session, students actively raised questions. In response to the question "how to optimize sociological theory," Professor Liu offered three recommendations: first, maintain an open attitude toward classical theories, as classical texts—from Comte's positivist sociology to Marxist theory—remain crucial for understanding modernity; second, proactively utilize internet technology for learning, viewing algorithmic recommendations "shouldn’t trap us in information bubbles but should serve as windows to real problems."; and third, uphold the "fieldwork spirit," capturing real experiences in the increasingly hybrid virtual-real modern society. When asked about the value of "pure theoretical research," Professor Liu cited Hegelian philosophy, emphasizing that "vibrant theories must be rooted in social reality." He noted, "Theoretical research without social grounding becomes an empty tower, but if we stop at mere description, we lose our forward-looking mission. We must strike a balance between 'interpreting the world' and 'changing it.'"

The lecture resonated widely with faculty and students in attendance, offering fresh perspectives and inspiring new directions for young scholars navigating sociological research and exploration in an era of technological transformation.