Dr. Liangzhi · Philosophical Consultation
PhD in Linguistics, University of Edinburgh · Co-founder, Guangzhou Phaenarete AI Technology Co., Ltd. · PI, Phaenarete ASI Lab
Philosophy
All our activities point toward one ultimate purpose. Aristotle called it Eudaimonia (εὐδαιμονία) — not fleeting pleasure, not the satisfaction of fame, but like a tree growing, branching, blooming, and bearing fruit according to its own nature: a human life flourishing through the full realization of reason and virtue. Two millennia later, Confucius said the same in another language: "At seventy, I could follow my heart's desire without transgressing the norm." The unity of freedom and order, the harmony of inner desire and outer norms — this is the happiness of tian ren he yi (the unity of heaven and humanity). The consultation I offer is rooted at this intersection — between Western rational inquiry and Eastern cultivation of virtue, helping you see your situation clearly, clarify your confusion, and make choices that are truly your own.
Methodology
I employ Integrative Philosophical Counseling, framed by three pillars:
PEACE Process
Proposed by Lou Marinoff: five steps — Problem, constructive expression of Emotion, Analysis, Contemplation of a philosophical disposition, and Equilibrium regained. These five steps are not a mechanical procedure, but a navigational chart guiding the dialogue from confusion toward clarity.
Seven Virtues of the North Star
Wisdom, Conscience, Courage, Temperance, Justice, Sincerity, and Magnanimity. The Seven Virtues are not external moral doctrines, but an inner compass that I calibrate together with you in every dialogue. When you feel lost between advance and retreat, we will examine together: which virtue is calling you?
Socratic Dialogue
I do not provide answers. Through questioning, definition, counterexample, and induction, I help you discover what you already know but have not yet clearly articulated. I am the midwife; you are the producer — truth must be born from your own thinking.
About the Consultant
- Dr. Ang Li (Liangzhi) — philosophical practitioner, researcher in AI and energy technology.
- PhD in Linguistics, University of Edinburgh.
- Co-founder, Guangzhou Phaenarete AI Technology Co., Ltd.
- PI, Phaenarete ASI Lab.
Open Slots
Three consultation slots per week, including one pro bono slot for: full-time students (with student ID), members of low-income households, persons with disabilities, and others in financial difficulty confirmed through communication. The pro bono slot is not a "lower-quality service" — it is philosophical consultation of the same quality and investment. This is the "Magnanimity" of the Seven Virtues: establishing oneself while establishing others.
Pricing
This pricing logic is rooted in my conviction: philosophical counseling should not be a luxury — it should be a necessity. In the Apology, Plato has Socrates say: "The god commanded me to spend my life in the pursuit of wisdom, and while I wished to obey, the shadow of poverty has darkened my path." I hope no one will be barred from philosophical counseling by poverty. At the same time, paying is itself part of the counseling work — it establishes a reciprocal contractual relationship and reflects the client's serious commitment to their own growth. Things that are free are often not valued — this is a lesson drawn from extensive practice. The pro bono slot retains a nominal fee precisely to safeguard this seriousness.
Pre-Consultation
All new clients receive one free pre-consultation (approximately 15 minutes). Purpose: understand your intentions and expectations; assess whether philosophical counseling is suitable for you (if not, I will honestly tell you and provide referral suggestions where possible); jointly decide whether to enter formal counseling.
Format & Duration
Format: primarily online video (via Tencent Meeting or Zoom); in-person sessions available in Guangzhou (venue to be confirmed in advance). Duration: 50 minutes per session. Frequency: typically once per week, to be negotiated after pre-consultation.
Cancellation & Rescheduling
Please provide at least 24 hours' notice for cancellation or rescheduling. Sessions not cancelled in time and missed will still be charged at the regular rate. The purpose of this policy is not punishment, but mutual commitment to time — yours and mine are equally precious.
Scope & Boundaries
I provide:
Philosophical dialogue for personal growth, value conflicts, meaning crises, decision dilemmas, interpersonal relationships, career choices, creative blocks, and related issues. Methods: Socratic questioning, conceptual clarification, philosophical text discussion, thought experiments, etc.
I do NOT provide:
- -Psychiatric diagnosis or medication (please visit a licensed medical institution).
- -Emergency psychological crisis intervention (please contact your local psychological crisis hotline).
- -Long-term psychotherapy (for psychology-oriented counseling, please consult a qualified psychologist).
If during pre-consultation or consultation I find that what you need is one of the above services rather than philosophical counseling, I will honestly inform you and provide referral suggestions where possible. This is the "Wisdom" of the Seven Virtues — knowing one's boundaries is more important than knowing what one can do.
Confidentiality
All information you share in consultation is strictly confidential. It will not be disclosed to any third party without your written consent. Exceptions (in accordance with Chinese law and professional ethical standards): imminent intention to harm yourself or others; abuse or neglect involving minors, the elderly, or other persons lacking civil capacity; other circumstances requiring disclosure by law. In these exceptional cases, I will discuss with you before disclosure whenever possible and limit the scope and recipients of the disclosure.
Booking Process
- 1Submit Application: Send an email to [email protected] with the subject "Consultation Booking + Your Name." Briefly state your intentions (one or two sentences will suffice), and include your city and preferred consultation time.
- 2Pre-Consultation Confirmation: I will reply within 3 working days to confirm the pre-consultation time.
- 3Pre-Consultation: Approximately 15 minutes, free of charge. We assess whether formal consultation is suitable.
- 4Formal Consultation: Once confirmed, we agree on the first session time and subsequent arrangements.
A Word to the Hesitant
Perhaps you find yourself in a moment of confusion — unsure which path to take, uncertain whether a relationship should continue or end, not knowing what you are doing, why you are doing it, or whether it is worth doing. Perhaps you only have a vague sense that "something is off," but cannot quite articulate it. These feelings are all where philosophy begins. Socrates said: "The unexamined life is not worth living." This sounds harsh, but the opposite is true — examination is not judgment; it is liberation. The moment you begin to question, you have already begun to change. Philosophical counseling is not only for those who are "ill" — it is for everyone who takes their life seriously. You only need to come with your confusion and your sincerity. If you are unsure whether this is right for you, why not begin with a pre-consultation? Fifteen minutes, the time it takes for a cup of tea, free of charge, with no further obligation. Let us talk.