At 9:30 a.m. on May 11, 2026, the 394th session of the “Lundao · Distinguished Scholars Forum” of the School of Public Administration was successfully held in Conference Room 634A of Xingmin Building. The lecture featured Professor Tom Stoneham from the Department of Philosophy at the University of York as the keynote speaker, who delivered a lecture entitled “A Critique of Moral Rights.” Professor Chen Zhen from the Department of Philosophy of the School of Public Administration served as moderator. Faculty members including Professor Tao Tao, together with teachers and students from the School of Public Administration, actively participated in the lecture.

Professor Stoneham has long specialized in early modern philosophy, metaphysics, and philosophy of mind. He is particularly renowned for his systematic reconstruction and defense of the philosophy of George Berkeley and has published numerous articles in leading international academic journals, producing substantial scholarly achievements. Professor Chen Zhen briefly introduced Professor Stoneham’s research areas and academic accomplishments, expressing a warm welcome and sincere gratitude for his visit and lecture.

During the lecture, Professor Stoneham explored in depth the theoretical presuppositions underlying the doctrine of moral rights. He argued that while these presuppositions emphasize individual agency, they also separate the consequences of actions from moral rules, thereby obscuring the core standards of moral judgment. He then briefly discussed the nature of moral rights, pointing out that a single conceptual framework cannot adequately explain the complexity of interpersonal relationships. Finally, Professor Stoneham offered a more cautious response concerning the relationship between rights, personal dignity, and equality.

During the interactive discussion session, faculty members and students enthusiastically raised questions on topics such as the relationship between legal rights and moral rights. Professor Stoneham answered each question patiently and in detail, creating a vibrant academic atmosphere and generating in-depth discussion.
In the concluding remarks, Professor Chen Zhen highly praised the lecture, noting that Professor Stoneham’s argumentation was rigorous and his insights profound. Through a clear analytical perspective, he offered a penetrating analysis of moral rights theory that combined theoretical depth with strong philosophical reflection. The lecture was both academically rigorous and innovative in perspective. It not only broadened the academic horizons of faculty and students, but also provided new avenues of thought for contemporary moral philosophy research. The event concluded successfully with warm applause from the audience.