School of Liberal Arts

Professor Seungbae Park of the School of Liberal Arts at UNIST has published a new introductory ethics textbook, titled 《Reflections upon Morality》, which aimed at undergraduate students in science, engineering, and business. Published by Korean Studies Information Co., Ltd., the book responds to the growing need for ethical literacy in technology-driven fields. Written entirely in English, it reflects UNIST’s English-language curriculum and seeks to provide technical students with a stronger foundation in moral reasoning. Unlike conventional ethics textbooks, 《Reflections upon Morality》 combines established philosophical frameworks with new theoretical approaches. In addition to examining major traditions such as utilitarianism and Kantian ethics, Professor Park introduces two original normative theories—probabilistic utilitarianism and unanimitism. The book also explores the relationship between ethics and scientific disciplines such as psychology and biology, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of moral inquiry. The text addresses ethical dilemmas that scientists and engineers increasingly encounter in practice. Topics include the moral justification of gene-editing technologies, the design of ethical decision-making systems for autonomous vehicles, professional responsibility in the face of unjust directives, the societal impact of artificial intelligence, and the ethics of developing lethal autonomous weapons. Beyond technology, the book expands into media, business, and international ethics. It considers whether biased reporting can be justified under press freedom, what responsibilities individuals hold as media consumers, how corporate leadership and compensation can be ethically assessed, and how nations should evaluate power, conflict, and war in the international arena. Professor Park noted, "I hope this book provides students in technical fields with a meaningful opportunity to deepen their understanding of ethical issues." By integrating philosophical analysis with contemporary case studies, 《Reflections upon Morality》 aims to equip future scientists, engineers, and business leaders with the critical tools needed to make responsible decisions in an increasingly complex world.

UNIST School of Liberal Arts successfully completed its 2026 Freshmen English Camp, a five-day, on-campus program designed to strengthen English proficiency and support the academic transition of prospective freshmen. Held from January 20 to 30, the camp marked UNIST's first fully in-person English program since the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 111 prospective freshmen and current students participated, engaging in intensive language training and campus-based learning activities, led by native-speaking faculty. The curriculum focused on practical skills required for English-medium courses, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Daily sessions ran from morning through early evening, followed by TA-led activities that provided academic guidance and peer support. After operating online since 2021, the camp returned to a residential format in 2026 to improve learning outcomes and student engagement. The renewed format allowed participants to experience campus life while building confidence in using English in academic settings. Participants who completed the program met the requirements for introductory English courses and reported feeling better prepared for university lectures. Professor Jeongyeon Kim of the School of Liberal Arts, coordinator of UNIST Language Education Program, commented, "The active participation by students made this program especially meaningful. We hope this experience will help them approach their studies and campus life with greater confidence."

Professor Seungbae Park of the School of Liberal Arts at UNIST has published a new introductory book on the philosophy of religion, titled 《Reflections upon Religion》, released on January 2 by the Korean Studies Information Co., Ltd. Unlike conventional introductions to the field, the book is specifically designed for students and readers with backgrounds in science and engineering. It approaches classical and contemporary philosophical questions through the lens of modern scientific theories, offering an accessible yet rigorous framework for readers more familiar with scientific reasoning than theological discourse. Drawing on fields, such as quantum field theory, cosmology, evolutionary theory, and cognitive science, the book examines enduring philosophical questions including the existence and attributes of God, the origin of the universe, life after death, and the relationship between science and religion. For example, it explores whether consciousness can persist after bodily death in connection with quantum field theory, and revisits questions of divine creation in light of the Big Bang theory, conformal cyclic cosmology, relativity, and the laws of thermodynamics. The book also incorporates perspectives from the cognitive science of religion to explain religious phenomena, such as ritual, proselytization, religious euphoria, moral behavior, and religious conflict. Rather than presuming religious belief, it critically examines how cognitive mechanisms and evolutionary processes may shape both belief and disbelief, encouraging readers to assess religious claims with analytical clarity. 《Reflections upon Religion》 is based on Professor Park's extensive teaching experience at the University of Maryland and UNIST, where all courses are conducted in English and discussion-based learning is actively encouraged. Accordingly, the book is written in English and structured around carefully selected topics well suited to seminar-style classes, inviting critical engagement rather than doctrinal instruction. Professor Park specializes in the philosophy of science and philosophy of religion and has published more than 80 articles in internationally recognized SCI-level journals. He has also authored two scholarly monographs published by Springer—《Embracing Scientific Realism》 in 2022 and 《Induction, Science, and Morality》 in 2025—becoming the first Korean scholar in the field of philosophy of science to publish specialized volumes with such a prestigious publisher.

Professor Seungbae Park of the School of Liberal Arts at UNIST has published a significant new book titled, 《Induction, Science, and Morality》with Springer, one of the world’s leading academic publishers. Notably, Professor Park is the only Korean researcher to have authored two specialized monographs in the field of philosophy of science published by Springer, marking a milestone for Korean scholars in this discipline. This book was written at the invitation of Professor Otávio Bueno, the editor-in-chief of Springer's Synthese and the Synthese Library book series, and offers critical insights into one of the most enduring problems in philosophy: Hume's problem of induction. In the volume, Professor Park critically examines the challenge posed by David Hume—that induction cannot be justified—and explores alternative approaches to defending scientific realism against skeptics. Moving beyond traditional debates, the book develops “counter-inductions” to counter pessimistic views and advocates a realist perspective on scientific progress. Furthermore, Professor Park enriches philosophical discourse by introducing a novel metaethical framework called 'Moral Functionalism.' While science primarily deals with factual propositions, ethics concerns normative imperatives—what ought to be done. The book sheds light on the fundamental nature of moral statements through the lens of moral functionalism, offering fresh perspectives on moral philosophy. Since joining UNIST in 2009, Professor Park has published over 80 papers in top-tier scholarly journals and released his first book,《Embracing Scientific Realism》, in 2022. He expressed his enthusiasm about his latest work, stating, "It is deeply rewarding to see my research cited by graduate students at overseas institutions, enabling them to complete their doctoral studies." He further added, "At UNIST, where all coursework is conducted in English, every discussion with students sparks new insights into my research."

Professor Seungbae Park from the School of Liberal Arts (SLA) at UNIST has published the introductory book on the philosophy of science titled《Reflections upon Science》. This book was written based on Professor Park's teaching experiences at the University of Arizona and UNIST. Professor Park's classes differ from traditional rote learning. They emphasize critical thinking and active discussion, encouraging students to engage deeply with key issues in the philosophy of science. In this regard, the content of the book aligns closely with topics covered in his lectures. Key questions explored in the book include: "How Do Scientists Confirm Hypotheses?," "What Are the Conditions for Scientific Explanation and Prediction?," and "What Is the Difference between Science and Religion?" The book also covers topics in biology, physics, and the philosophy of mathematics, explaining the strange phenomena of quantum mechanics, such as superposition, measurement, and quantum entanglement, in a way that even high school students can understand. Renowned scholars' perspectives, including those of Popper, Kuhn, Hempel, Bohr, and Einstein, are discussed, with Professor Park providing critiques and alternatives to their theories. He believes that demonstrating concepts is the most effective teaching method for fostering critical thinking among students. UNIST is the only institute in Korea that conducts all classes 100% in English. While Professor Park's book is published in English, it has been composed in a way that makes it accessible to general readers. This book can be used not only in universities but also as a textbook in science philosophy courses at gifted schools. Since joining UNIST in 2009, Professor Park has published over 80 SCI-level papers. In 2022, he also released a specialized book on the philosophy of science titled Embracing Scientific Realism with Springer, one of the world’s top three academic publishers. He is the first in South Korea's philosophy of science field to publish a specialized book with such a prestigious publisher.

The School of Liberal Arts (SLA) at UNIST convened the 'Global Origination Workshop on Science and Design Integration to Make Coastal Cities More Attractive' in collaboration with the Gaudí World Foundation (GWF) on January 15, 2025. The workshop attracted a diverse group of experts and students, focusing on the nature-inspired design approach championed by Antoni Gaudí. Key objectives of the workshop included igniting creative thinking, inspiring sustainable solutions by integrating principles of nature, design, and humanism, and exploring the relevance of Gaudí's origination methodology in addressing modern challenges in science and design. Through expert lectures, hands-on activities, and networking opportunities, participants delved into Gaudí's origination methodology and examined its connection to biomimicry, biophilia, and cutting-edge technology. The event commenced with a welcoming address by Professor Hyomin Kim from the School of Liberal Arts at UNIST. Keynote speeches were delivered by GWF Creative Director Sofya Abramchuk and Professor Sungwook Hong from Seoul National University. Director Abramchuk presented on 'Idea Generation Using Gaudí Methodology,' while Professor Hong explored the 'Convergence of Science, Technology, and Art.' Both emphasized the significance of creative thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration. Participants were encouraged to devise solutions to modern city challenges, drawing inspiration from Gaudí's principles of Origin, Humanism, and Sustainability. They examined the masterpiece Colonia Güell to experience a case study in the fusion of natural and human-centered design. This allowed participants to visualize how Gaudí's design principles could be applied to real-world challenges. The workshop fostered collaboration among the fields of architecture, design, and science and technology, allowing participants to explore innovative ideas for marine city development while enhancing their problem-solving abilities through nature-friendly design. This collaboration culminated in the presentation of a practical plan for sustainable urban development. Following the workshop, UNIST and the GWF signed a business agreement to advance creative convergence in education and research. This agreement focuses on joint research and development initiatives and strengthens networking opportunities with industries and local communities, marking a significant step towards developing design solutions that integrate science, technology, and art while promoting global educational cooperation. President Chong Rae Park stated, "By converging science and art, we will create an innovative educational model and unique research outcomes for 'Pioneer UNIST.' This agreement is meaningful not only for advancing cutting-edge science and technology but also for fostering a transformative innovative culture within universities." The workshop was organized by the UNIST Convergence Science Research Center (CISAR), the WISET Southeast Ulsan Regional Project Group, and SERA (Sustainable Environment Renewable Architecture), and was sponsored by Tetra Tech, a global leader in environmental and engineering services.

On April 8, UNIST held its annual 'Outstanding Faculty Awards' ceremony to shine a spotlight on the exceptional accomplishments of its faculty members throughout the 2023 academic year. The 2023 Outstanding Faculty Awards Ceremony took place on Monday, April 8, 2024. The Outstanding Faculty Awards aim to acknowledge faculty members who have demonstrated excellence in research, industry-academic cooperation, and education. Each year, candidates in various categories are carefully selected for their notable contributions to the university and their respective fields. This year, a total of twelve faculty members—four in scholarly work, three in research, three in education, and two in industry-academic cooperation—were recognized for their dedication to their students and the outstanding expertise they bring to their fields. In the education category, Professor Min Sup Hur from the Department of Physics received the Grand Prize for his expertise in plasma physics. The Excellence Award in education was bestowed upon Professor Soon-Yong Kwon from the Graduate School of Semiconductor Materials and Devices Engineering, Professor Kyoseung Sim in the Department of Chemistry, and Professor Kyungdon Joo in the Graduate School of Artificial Intelligence (AI). For the Research category, Professor Seok Ju Kang in the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering was recognized for his leadership in the UNIST secondary battery project. Excellence Awards in Research were granted to Professor Ja Young Ryu from the Department of Chemistry and Professor Ji Young Park from the Department of Life Sciences. Professor Min Sup (Department of Physics) has been presented with the Grand Prize in the Education sector. Professor JongEun Lee from the School of Liberal Arts received the grand prize in the Education category for her contributions to the innovation of liberal arts subjects through guidance of UNISTra and the implementation of the UNIST Performing Arts Festival. Additionally, Professor Oh Hoon Kwon in the Department of Chemistry and Professor Kyungho Lee in the Department of Design were honored with the Excellence Award for their dedication to enhancing basic subject education and creating a conducive learning environment for students, respectively. In the Industry-Academia Cooperation category, Professor Jiseok Lee in the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering and Professor Sunghoon Lim from the Department of Industrial Engineering received the Excellence Award for their roles in technology commercialization and problem-solving through industry collaboration, respectively. President Lee delivered a congratulatory message to the award recipients at the ceremony. President Lee expressed his gratitude, stating, "UNIST's success in 2023 is a testament to the exceptional achievements of our dedicated faculty members." He further encouraged continued hard work and excellence, urging everyone to strive for greater heights in the future.

The Center for Science, Technology, ARTs in Society (STARTS Center) within the School of Liberal Arts at UNIST held a five-day exhibition under the theme of "Sustainable Future Community" at Jigwanseoga, located on the 1F of UNIST Library on January 22, 2024. The exhibition aimed to showcase the outcomes of team projects by 47 students who participated in the "Topics in Arts (Advisor: Professor Kyong-Mi Paek)" and "Evolution of Civilization (Advisor: Professor Hyomin Kim)" courses offered by the School of Liberal Arts at UNIST during the winter semester. The projects explored the potential of Oegosan Onggi Village and proposed innovative approaches to address climate change. The exhibition aimed to inspire students and future leaders to contemplate a sustainable future community and foster interdisciplinary discussions on science, technology, art, and education. During the exhibition, a total of 13 team projects were presented. Professor Kyong-Mi Paek, the Director of STARTS Center, stated, "The exhibition was curated to provide not only students but also future leaders of the science and technology community with an opportunity to contemplate a sustainable future community together." The exhibition featured diverse approaches to activate the Oegosan Onggi Village, presented by students who took the special lecture on art. Through an understanding of Onggi's physical characteristics and cultural uniqueness, the projects suggested meaningful alternatives such as enhancing the potential added value through connections with the kids industry and creating spaces to expand the utilization of Onggi. Before selecting specific topics, students visited the Oegosan Onggi Village located in Onyang, Ulju-gun, and listened to the narratives of the site. The "Special Lecture on Art" is a project-based course with a focus on cultural homogenization in a hyperconnected society, the importance of human cultural diversity, and the sustainability of region-based traditional cultural heritage. The exhibition also showcased discussions on how civilization can address "natural phenomena that are difficult to measure," such as climate change. Students from the Development of Civilization course proposed a new integrated approach to tackle climate change and comprehend human consciousness - two challenges in modern society. The proposals were based on historical and sociological discussions surrounding "objective measurement criteria for facts." The students' discussions included in-depth analysis of carbon capture technology, modeling, synthetic fuel, life cycle evaluation, and the relationship between the body and emotions. The Development of Civilization course focuses on the formation and transformation of modern rationality and the process of self-reflection after the 16th and 17th centuries. During the exhibition, Young Soo Choi, Director of the UNIST Development Foundation (CEO of Samdu General Technology Co., Ltd.), Professor Sung Wook Hong from Seoul National University, Professor Jae Won Cho from UNIST, Heo Jin-kyu, Onggijang, and officials from the Ulju-gun Tourism Division visited the exhibition hall to encourage the students. Director Choi Young-soo, who toured the exhibition hall, expressed, "I was deeply moved by the passion and dedication of Professor Baek, who guided the students and the projects." Currently, the STARTS Center comprises seven internal and external researchers from the fields of arts, humanities, society, and engineering. Since last year, the center has been engaged in interdisciplinary discussions on science, technology, art, and education for a 'sustainable future community' through an academic seminar series. Various inquiry-based convergence education activities are being promoted, including water-themed convergence research, research clubs focusing on educational platforms, and project-based courses.

On November 3, UNIST announced that the School of Liberal Arts Research Center successfully organized an international colloquium on the theme of "Liberal Arts Education in the Era of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Challenges and Opportunities." Esteemed education experts from Nanyang Technological University (NTU), the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), the Gangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), and the University of Ulsan attended the event. The purpose of the colloquium was to engage in discussions revolving around ethics, policies, and the mission of liberal arts education in a technologically advanced society. Jinsook Choi, Head of the School of Liberal Arts (SLA) at UNIST, expressed the challenges faced by the University of Science and Technology in recruiting and nurturing talents due to a decline in the school-age population and the prevalence of the "university craze." She further emphasized the crisis brought about by the emergence of generative AI and emphasized the need to view it as an opportunity to cultivate next-generation talent. Vice President Jaiyong Lee of UNIST delivered a keynote speech, emphasizing the importance of equipping college students with new competencies and adaptable thinking to keep pace with the rapidly evolving technologies and prepare for an uncertain future labor market. He urged universities to actively promote future-oriented knowledge and skills through liberal arts education. The speakers at the colloquium agreed that the advent of generative AI technology poses a challenge to the fundamental role of liberal arts education, but also presents an opportunity to foster students' creativity, critical thinking, and ethical reasoning abilities. During a roundtable discussion, involving faculty members from the science and engineering departments at UNIST, participants shared their insights on university education as a whole. They acknowledged the impact of advanced technologies, such as the commercialization of generative AI, on the changing landscape of higher education. The discussion revolved around defining the educational direction and purpose that universities should pursue in order to nurture next-generation talent. It was unanimously agreed that expanding the horizons of science and engineering students through liberal arts education is a pressing need. Jinsook Choi, Head of the School of Liberal Arts (SLA) at UNIST, expressed the intention to use this colloquium as a stepping stone for ongoing discussions on "education for science and engineering talents" with educators from both domestic and international institutions. The aim is to foster academic and educational exchanges in the field. The event took place at Market Hall in the UNIST University-Industry Cooperation Building on November 2, 2023.

The eagerly anticipated UNIST Performing Arts Festival (UPAF) is set to captivate audiences, as it takes place on campus from July 25 to 28, 2023. This extraordinary event will bring together students specializing in science and technology from various universities in the Ulsan region, who had given the guidance of professional classical musicians and perform their results they have honed so far. The festival aims to showcase their remarkable creativity and talents through various captivating performances. With an array of engaging acts spanning music, dance, theater, and more, UPAF promises to be a celebration of artistic expression that will leave attendees inspired and entertained. The festival will feature two captivating performances that will be open for all citizens to enjoy free of charge. The UNIST Performing Arts Festival (UPAF) will take place throughout the campus from July 25 to 28, 2023. The festival commences with a special performance, entitled "Mid-summer Night Concert." Esteemed violinist Professor JongEun Lee, cellist Hoonsun Chae, and pianis Gunyoung Hwang will come together as a piano trio to deliver an enchanting musical experience. Professor Lee is a graduate of Juilliard College of Music in New York, while both Hoonsun Chae and Gunyoung Hwang completed their studies at Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler Berlin in Berlin, Germany. These accomplished musicians have achieved numerous accolades in domestic and international competitions while actively performing worldwide. Additionally, media art performances exploring the convergence of science, technology, and art will be presented. Through real-time interpretation by artificial intelligence combined with media art elements, this unique performance promises an immersive audiovisual experience prepared by a team, led by Professor Kyungho Lee in the Department of Design at UNIST. The Mid-summer Night Concert will commence at 7:30 p.m. on July 25 at Jigwanseoga, located on the 1F of UNIST Library. The Mid-summer Night Concert commenced at 7:30 p.m. on July 25 at Jigwanseoga, located on the 1F of UNIST Library. A master class is scheduled to be held at Kyungdong Hall on 4F of the Main Administration Building of UNIST from July 26 to 27, 2023. It is open to the public and will be divided into morning and afternoon sessions on July 26 from 9:30 to 6:45 and morning sessions only on July 27, 2023. A total of 27 students will participate in this enriching experience, including 22 students from UNIST, KAIST, POSTECH, and GIST, along with 5 talented students from the School of Music within the College of Arts at University of Ulsan. During the master class sessions, these aspiring musicians will have the opportunity to showcase their skills through performances. Collaboration between student participants and professional performers will form ten exceptional teams who will melodiously render classical masterpieces by renowned composers, like Schubert and Schumann. The performance by these remarkable ensembles is scheduled for Thursday, July 27 at 7:30 p.m., held at Jigwanseoga, located on the 1F of UNIST Library. A total of 27 students will participate in this enriching experience, including 22 students from UNIST, KAIST, POSTECH, and GIST, along with 5 talented students from the School of Music within the College of Arts at University of Ulsan. "This event aims to foster exchanges among future science and technology talents while promoting art-science-technology convergence and fostering harmony between UNIST and Ulsan," noted Dean Jinsook Choi from the School of Liberal Arts at UNIST who hosted this festival. Meanwhile, the UNIST Performing Arts Festival (UPAF) has been organized by the School of Liberal Arts and the Department of Design at UNIST through the support from the College of Engineering at UNIST. The UNIST Library Team has been instrumental in coordinating this spectacular cultural extravaganza. For media inquiries or further information regarding the festival schedule, please contact UNIST Library (052-217-1405).