Tang Chun-I Visiting Professor (Fall 2026)

Christopher Hitchcock
J. O. and Juliette Koepfli Professor of Philosophy, Caltech

Christopher Hitchcock is a philosopher of science whose research explores the variety of causal concepts that are deployed in the sciences, law, and everyday life. Hitchcock has worked on a number of other topics in philosophy including philosophy of biology, formal epistemology, experimental philosophy, and philosophy of language. His research is interdisciplinary, and he has published work in computer science, law, linguistics, and psychology.

Before joining Caltech, Hitchcock was on the faculty at Rice University from 1993 to 1998. He's had three articles selected by The Philosopher's Annual as among the year's 10 best in the field of philosophy (in 1995, 2001, and 2003). He has also received the Recent Ph.D. Essay Award from the Philosophy of Science Association, given for the best paper by a recent Ph.D. (in 1997–1998). He served on the governing board of the Philosophy of Science Association from 2002 to 2005 and was the president of the Society for Exact Philosophy from 2012 to 2014.

Delivered in English | All are welcome | No online broadcast

Enquiries: 3943 7135
Email: philosophy@cuhk.edu.hk
Website: http://phil.arts.cuhk.edu.hk

Public Lecture:
Causation Science and Everyday Life

Date: 28 September 2026 (Mon)
Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm
Venue: Cho Yiu Hall

Abstract:
Causation is a concept that plays a central role in the sciences, in law, in ethics, and in everyday life. Philosophers have been trying to offer analyses of the concept of causation for hundreds of years. In this talk, I want to highlight a particular challenge for this project. One the one hand, we investigate causal relationships using scientific methods—controlled experiments, mathematical modeling, statistical analysis, etc.—and incorporate them into our scientific image of the world. On the other hand, empirical evidence from psychology shows that when people make causal judgments, they are influenced by things like expectations, moral values, social rules, actors’ intentions, and other subjective and pragmatic factors. This raises the question of how one concept can answer to both descriptions: How can it be an objective part of the world described by science and also dependent on norms and expectations? I resolve this tension by showing how ordinary causal ascriptions serve a function such as an executive summary or an index (such as the consumer price index).

Public Lecture: Causation Science and Everyday Life Date: 28 September 2026 (Mon) Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm Venue: Cho Yiu Hall Abstract: Causation is a concept that plays a central role in the sciences, in law, in ethics, and in everyday life. Philosophers have been trying to offer analyses of the concept of causation for hundreds of years. In this talk, I want to highlight a particular challenge for this project. One the one hand, we investigate causal relationships using scientific methods—controlled experiments, mathematical modeling, statistical analysis, etc.—and incorporate them into our scientific image of the world. On the other hand, empirical evidence from psychology shows that when people make causal judgments, they are influenced by things like expectations, moral values, social rules, actors’ intentions, and other subjective and pragmatic factors. This raises the question of how one concept can answer to both descriptions: How can it be an objective part of the world described by science and also dependent on norms and expectations? I resolve this tension by showing how ordinary causal ascriptions serve a function such as an executive summary or an index (such as the consumer price index). Attend Do not attend
Departmental Seminar:
Causal Models for Philosophy

Date: 12 October 2026 (Mon)
Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm
Venue: Room 220, Fung King Hey Building

Abstract:
Philosophers have adopted a variety of formal tools for use in philosophical projects. The early twentieth century saw philosophers turn to the new field of mathematical logic to address fundamental questions in philosophy; in the middle of the twentieth century many philosophers began to make use of probability theory; later in the twentieth century, decision theory found its way into philosophical theorizing. I will make a case for adding causal models, particularly structural equation models and graphical causal models, to the philosophers’ tool kit. It has been widely noted that causation is an ingredient in many concepts of interest to philosophers, which has often been used to motivate traditional “analyses” of causation. I will argue that causal models are often more useful tools than traditional analyses for shedding light on these philosophical concepts. I will support this claim with two illustrations: the Doctrine of Double Effect in ethics, and the propensity interpretation of probability.

Departmental Seminar: Causal Models for Philosophy Date: 12 October 2026 (Mon) Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm Venue: Room 220, Fung King Hey Building Abstract: Philosophers have adopted a variety of formal tools for use in philosophical projects. The early twentieth century saw philosophers turn to the new field of mathematical logic to address fundamental questions in philosophy; in the middle of the twentieth century many philosophers began to make use of probability theory; later in the twentieth century, decision theory found its way into philosophical theorizing. I will make a case for adding causal models, particularly structural equation models and graphical causal models, to the philosophers’ tool kit. It has been widely noted that causation is an ingredient in many concepts of interest to philosophers, which has often been used to motivate traditional “analyses” of causation. I will argue that causal models are often more useful tools than traditional analyses for shedding light on these philosophical concepts. I will support this claim with two illustrations: the Doctrine of Double Effect in ethics, and the propensity interpretation of probability. Attend Do Not Attend
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1. Provision of personal data is voluntary. The information collected will be used for the purposes of events and communication related to the Department and related responsible organization for this event. Only authorized personnel in the Department can access the information. The Department will promote and disseminate information such as talks, services and research information to you by post, email or phone. You have the right to make subsequent changes on your choice of receiving further promotional information by notifying us in written format. 2. Under the provisions of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance, you can access and apply for amendment of the data in this form. Please contact our Institute staff if necessary. 3. The Institute will use the photos and videos taken from events in organizing and promotional purposes. If you do not agree with the relevant arrangements, you may submit your wishes and notify us in written format before the event. I have read, understood and agreed with the above terms and conditions.
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