Public Lecture on Chinese Philosophy by Prof. Barry Allen from McMaster University

November 26, 2013, Prof. Barry Allen from McMaster University gave a lecture on “Knowledge and Wisdom in Comparative Perspective”at Cultural Heritage Museum upon the invitation of Confucius Institute at Bogazici University. The lecture was hosted by Prof. Selcuk Esenbel, a well-known scholar on Asian studies; more than 30 faculties and students attended this event. Prof. Allen firstly gave a brief introduction of Chinese Philosophy. Then he compared ancient and modern ideas of knowledge and wisdom with the conception found in classical Chinese thoughts. At last, he arrived at the conclusion that Chinese Philosophy concerned more about the relation of knowledge to wisdom and virtue, the limits of its effectiveness, and the right appreciation of its contribution to civilized life. Chinese understanding of knowledge and wisdom will provide a new perspective for the development of philosophy. The brilliant lecture aroused the audiences’ great interest about Chinese Philosophy. In fact, this is also the first public lecture on Chinese philosophy at Bogazici University.