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Events

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 Visting Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences 


Our MAPPE students visited the Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences to deepen their understanding of the intersection between medical history, public health, and ethics. Located in a beautifully preserved Edwardian-style building in Mid-Levels, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Hong Kong's medical past, occupying the site of the former Bacteriological Institute, built in 1906 to combat infectious diseases like the bubonic plague. Through its diverse exhibits, including displays on contagious diseases, traditional Chinese medicine, and modern medical advancements, the museum provided our students with an opportunity to explore how science, culture, and society have shaped healthcare in Hong Kong. The visit encouraged critical reflection on the ethical and societal implications of medical progress, reinforcing the connection between historical context and contemporary bioethical challenges

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Students' reflection

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"My visit to the Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences offered me an insight into how Hong Kong's medical history, particularly its battles with contagious diseases. The 1894 plague outbreak, for instance, highlighted the tension between public health measures and the stigmatization of Chinese communities, raising questions about fairness and social justice in medical responses. Similarly, the museum's coverage of the 2003 SARS epidemic revealed the ethical complexities of balancing individual freedoms with collective safety, as well as the importance of trust and transparency in public health crises. A particularly striking exhibit was on the development of vaccines and quarantine measures, which forced me to consider how decisions about resource allocation and prioritization—especially during pandemics—are both medical and moral choices. This visit deepened my understanding of how medical advancements are inseparable from the ethical and societal contexts in which they occur, making it clear that medicine is as much about navigating moral dilemmas as it is about combating disease."



Our MAPPE students embark on an unforgettable journey to the renowned M+ museum. This exclusive opportunity is sure to ignite a sense of excitement and happiness among students as they delve into the captivating realm of art and culture. Imagine the smiles and eager faces of students as they explore the vast collections of art from Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Asia, discovering masterpieces in architecture, design, and moving images. This visit promises to not only enhance their knowledge of the arts but also to create lasting memories of joy and inspiration. Witness the thrill and delight on students' faces as they embrace this chance to experience the beauty and creativity housed within the walls of M+ museum.

 Visting M+ Museum 

Students' reflection

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"I’m very grateful to the Department of Philosophy for organizing this visit to M+. This visit has provided me with significant opportunities for reflection. The creation of art is intrinsically tied to the political and economic contexts of its time. By examining artworks from different historical periods and regions, one can uncover valuable insights into the socio-political and economic conditions of the artist. Art might serve as a form of resistance to the politics of its time, or it might reflect how economic conditions influence artistic thinking and conditions. Architecture is the most obvious example of this relationship. Architectural styles vary significantly depending on the economic conditions: periods of prosperity often result in grand, elaborate designs, whereas periods of economic austerity tend to yield more conservative and restrained structures. Interestingly, even the same architect may adopt differing design approaches depending on the economic cycles and pressures of their time, further demonstrating the interplay between the economy and artistic conditions."

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"I was delighted to participate in this visit to the M+ museum. The artworks on display at M+ illustrate the diverse ways in which artists from various countries and regions embed their reflections and thoughts into their creations. Many of these works implicitly express the artists' viewpoints, many of which reflect their political stances. Art, therefore, can be understood as a medium of resistance, where works that challenge the status quo frequently gain broader recognition and appreciation. This dynamic underscores the role of artists and their creations not only as cultural artefacts but also as agents of social progress, helping to shape and advance the intellectual and ideological discourse of their time. However, this raises questions about the accessibility of art and its production. Historically, art has often been associated with privilege, with the majority of celebrated works emerging from elite social groups. The relative absence of contributions from marginalized or impoverished artists suggests a potential inequality in the field of art itself. Does this socioeconomic disparity in artistic production limit the inclusivity of artistic expression, and does it perpetuate structural inequities within the realm of art? These are important questions that need further exploration. This visit to M+ has provided me with new perspectives. It has deepened my understanding of the complex interrelations between art and society, and has prompted me to consider the broader implications of such dynamics."

 Visting Hong Kong Palace Museum 



To enrich students' knowledge of art and culture, MAPPE students explore the exquisite treasures at the Hong Kong Palace Museum. This exclusive opportunity let them delve into over 900 priceless artifacts from the renowned Palace Museum. Witness history come to life as many of these treasures are showcased in Hong Kong for the first time, offering a unique and immersive experience. 

Students' reflection

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"The visit to the Hong Kong Palace Museum provided deep insights into the political culture of imperial China, especially the emperor's role as the Son of Heaven and the divine authority he wielded. Artefacts like imperial robes and ceremonial items illustrated such power, and the use of art and symbolism, such as dragons representing imperial authority, highlighted how culture served as a political tool. Additionally, the exhibition about the civil service examination system showcased Confucian ideals of a meritocratic bureaucracy that fostered loyalty to the emperor among officials."

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Finding Us ON

Telephone

(852) 3917 2799

Address

Department of Philosophy

Room 10.12, 10/F
Run Run Shaw Tower

Centennial Campus
The University of Hong Kong

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