(updated 2017)
The Institute of Logic and Intelligence (ILI) at Southwest University, established in May 2005, was officially recognized as a Key Research Base in the Humanities and Social Sciences of Chongqing by the Chongqing Municipal People's Government in December 2006. Initially led by Professor Xiangdong He, the institute is currently directed by Professor Meiyun Guo. ILI is committed to both theoretical and applied research in logic and artificial intelligence, with facilities including the Office for Logic and Cognition, the Office for Modern Logic and Artificial Intelligence, and the Office for Philosophical Logic and Logic Philosophy. The institute boasts over 20 researchers, including prominent educators and scholars. It has earned distinctions such as the National Teaching Team title (2010) and the Chongqing Graduate Supervisor Team recognition (2022).
Tracing its origins to the Logic Research Office of the Philosophy Research Institute at Southwest Normal University from the early 1980s, ILI's development was significantly advanced by Professor Su Tianfu. In 2003, Professor Xiangdong He established a doctoral program in logic, a milestone in the authorization of doctoral programs in literature, history, and philosophy in Chongqing. ILI promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and excels in scientific research, teaching innovation, international exchange, talent development, and community engagement.
**Scientific Research**
ILI members have led major research projects funded by the Ministry of Education (2005), the National Social Science Foundation (2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2021), and annual projects by the same foundation, totaling over 6.6 million RMB in funding. Their work includes over 200 high-quality research papers published in domestic and international journals, such as "Chinese Science," "Synthese," and "Artificial Intelligence," and presentations at more than 200 conferences including IJCAI and AAMAS. They have also published over ten academic monographs.
**Teaching Reform**
ILI members have spearheaded over 10 teaching reform projects in Chongqing and nearly 20 at Southwest University. They have edited several key textbooks, including "Logic" (1st edition, 2017; 2nd edition, 2018; 3rd edition, 2023) and the "Introduction to New Logic" (2009). Their courses include national-level excellent courses and first-class undergraduate courses in Chongqing, earning numerous teaching awards, including national and regional prizes and outstanding results in teaching competitions.
**International Exchange**
ILI prioritizes international exchange through visits to foreign universities, doctoral and joint training programs abroad, and hosting high-level international conferences and summer camps. They have invited over 40 renowned scholars and employed international faculty such as Professors Jeremy Seligman and Thomas Ågotnes. This has established a robust platform for global academic exchange.
**Talent Cultivation**
ILI oversees logic courses across multiple departments and offers elective courses for undergraduates. Since 1981, it has graduated 214 master’s students, 53 doctoral students, and 6 postdoctoral fellows, with graduates holding positions in leading universities and institutions both domestically and internationally.
**Social Services**
As vice chairman of the Chinese Society of Logic and chairman of the Chongqing Society of Logic, ILI promotes logical knowledge and social services. They collaborate on publications, offer courses, and conduct nationwide training and popular lectures on logic.
Overall, ILI has established itself as a leading center for logic education and research in China, recognized both domestically and internationally for its contributions to scientific research and academic development.
(Information data as of April 2023)
