Mary I. BOCKOVER Lecturer: Philosophies of China Comparative Philosophy Asian Philosophy

“I am applying for a Fulbright Scholar Award to teach in the Czech Republic for the academic year of because as a teacher of comparative philosophy, I know of no better way to learn about cultural difference than to live and teach in another country.”

“My love of learning is central to my pedagogy: learning should not just be about concepts; it requires them to be brought to the level of lived experience. For philosophical purposes, this means that conceptual analysis is done for the sake of self-improvement and for making the world a better place. ”

“Education in this larger sense, where understanding carries with it a commitment to human flourishing, will be vital if we are to get along on a global level. I do not believe our differences have to segregate and prejudice us; to the contrary, difference is what we learn about as well as from, and so it is precisely what gives us more to offer as our education proceeds.”

“…the valued personal relationships that will develop from this exchange first hand are precisely what will allow our differences to be realized and appreciated, in a way that leads to this greater sense of shared community.”

“…I have been fascinated with the history of what is now the Czech Republic, especially as an American who is well aware that our form of democracy is not the only one.”

“I think that the greatest challenge for me besides not knowing the language will be finding meaningful examples that will bring the ideas to life for Czech students. I do not pretend to have any obvious solutions to this.”

Some Challenges Narrow view of Comparative Philosophy Narrow view of Comparative Philosophy Lack of resource material and books Lack of resource material and books Very different approach to higher education Very different approach to higher education Difficulties with bureaucracy and theft Difficulties with bureaucracy and theft

Some Rewarding Experiences Working with the Fulbright Commission in Prague Working with the Fulbright Commission in Prague Working with the Institute of East Asian Studies at Charles University Working with the Institute of East Asian Studies at Charles University Working with the Department of Philosophy & Religion at Charles University Working with the Department of Philosophy & Religion at Charles University Working with some thoughtful and kind-hearted students in both institutes Working with some thoughtful and kind-hearted students in both institutes Guest lecturing at University of Pardubice (Dept. of Philosophy & Religion) Guest lecturing at University of Pardubice (Dept. of Philosophy & Religion) Making Czech friends, some who have returned to the Czech Republic after 1989 Making Czech friends, some who have returned to the Czech Republic after 1989 Having my family also actively involved in Czech life Having my family also actively involved in Czech life Exploring Prague and the Czech Republic in general Exploring Prague and the Czech Republic in general Research, writing, and publishing Research, writing, and publishing First PowerPoint presentations created First PowerPoint presentations created Website development Website development

The End