Shengmen Luo

Shengmen Luo: a curious mind and a musical soul

It is with deep sorrow that we commemorate the passing of Shengmen Luo, a cherished member of the logic community in both Amsterdam and Beijing. From his early days at Tsinghua University, Shengmen distinguished himself as a gifted and curious student - always well-prepared, always asking thoughtful questions. He engaged in discussions on logic and philosophy with clarity, depth, and humbleness.

Shengmen is fondly remembered by his professors and peers, both during his undergraduate studies at Tsinghua and his time in the Master of Logic programme at the University of Amsterdam (ILLC). He was a promising researcher, well on his way to a bright academic future. His intellectual journey was marked by a passionate pursuit of insight - moving gradually from the philosophical foundations of language and logic toward more formal and mathematical areas.

In addition to his academic talents, Shengmen was a deeply gifted musician. He composed his own works and performed in both formal recitals and more intimate gatherings. His performance of Messiaen’s Vingt Regards sur l’Enfant-Jésus at the 10-year anniversary of the ILLC/UvA and Tsinghua collaboration left a lasting impression on all who attended - students and staff alike.

Shengmen was part of a diverse and close-knit circle of friends, admired not only for his intellect but also for his kindness, humility, and quiet brilliance. He leaves behind a profound absence, felt deeply by all who knew him. Yet, he also leaves behind the gift of memory: of conversations shared, music played, and ideas explored.

Though his time with us was far too short, Shengmen’s spirit endures in the minds and hearts of those he touched. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the Chinese community in Amsterdam and beyond who have shown strength and solidarity in recent weeks.

On 7 April 2025, a memorial was held in the ILLC common room, at Science Park 107. The memorial was attended by the ILLC staff, PhD candidates and Master of Logic students.

 

Speakers

Prof. Robert van Rooij (Director of the ILLC, University of Amsterdam): Introduction of the Memorial. 

Dr. Nick Bezhanishvili (Director of the Master of Logic, ILLC, University of Amsterdam): In memoriam - Bezhanishvili

Prof. Martin Stokhof (ILLC, University of Amsterdam and Tsinghua University): In memoriam - Stokhof

Prof. Dag Westerståhl (Stockholm University and Tsinghua University): In memoriam - Westerståhl

Prof. Fenrong Liu (Tsinghua University and ILLC, University of Amsterdam): In memoriam - Liu, Slides - Liu

Prof. Johan van Benthem (ILLC, University of Amsterdam, Tsinghua University, and Stanford University): In memoriam - van Benthem

 

Slideshow

Poem

During the ILLC memorial a poem was recited that we would like to share with you.

Lu Zhai, a poem by Wang Wei

鹿柴

 (唐）王维

空山不见人

但闻人语响

返景入深林

复照青苔上

Translation:

Empty mountains: no one to be seen.

Yet - hear - human sounds and echoes.

Returning sunlight enters the dark woods;

Again shining on the green moss, above.

(Translated by Gary Snyder, 1978)