Guidelines for Lectures
“To Cooperate”

For some what is most important is differences; they are what make comparative studies interesting. Others are adamant in emphasizing the similarities; they uncover the commonalities across cultures. In the 四海为学 “Collaborative Learning” project we appreciate both sides. The common goal is cooperation. This is what the 四海为学 “Collaborative Learning” project, both in the lecture and seminar series, is ultimately geared towards.

Regardless of differences and similarities, and precisely because of them, cooperation is our shared goal. We think that general patterns can be very effective in thinking about how people, governments, and concepts in the West operate versus those in the East. We also think that there is much that is shared. There are many threads that can bridge differences.

In some sense we cannot help but notice general differences when comparing the East and West on anything from students and teachers to institutions, and in everything from food to politics. But we also notice that people in China are hugely diverse, and that even in the most close-knit Western families differences can dominate. Likewise, some teachers in China may feel more at home in a Western classroom and vice-versa. Our lecture series aims, first and foremost, at fostering cooperative learning. “To cooperate” is the guiding directive of this project.

四海为学 means people from all over coming together to study. “Collaborative Learning” means learning about differences and similarities; between oneself and others, in and between groups, as well as within one’s own self.

We no more promote sameness than celebrate difference. Our guiding directive “to cooperate” is broad, and should be filled in with contextualized and nuanced communications.

Q&A Discussions

We heartily invite critique and even criticism in philosophical exchanges. We take well-intended, constructive criticism to be indispensable in “Collaborative Learning;” it is the way to learn about and from one another, broaden each other’s views, and create a trustworthy collaborative atmosphere. In this spirit, we will actively discourage instances of “self-promotion,” “navel gazing,” and grandiloquent expression.

We very much hope that questions for speakers will be actual questions. Inquiries designed to elicit a certain response for further rebuttal, to display superior knowledge or belittle, and various forms of grandstanding are not welcome. At all.

All questions should be asked with an earnest interest at hearing the speaker’s response. 

The 四海为学 “Collaborative Learning” project genuinely seeks to rework the current atmosphere of many academic exchanges through collaboratively reinventing some of the most important rituals of academic life. We will actively promote those who share our concerns and help us with this endeavor, and sincerely welcome suggestions, comments, and criticisms regarding our theoretical frameworks and practices.