Asian Studies Program Hosts Buddhism Scholar From Hawaii

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Peter Hershock

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Asian Studies Speakers’ Series will host Peter Hershock, director of the Asian studies program at the East-West Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, as he presents “Choice or Virtuosity: Buddhist Reflections on the Meaning of Freedom.” The free lecture is sponsored by the Asian studies program and will begin at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 17, in Giffel’s Auditorium.

Hershock’s research considers the philosophical dimensions of Buddhism. His analysis uses Buddhist conceptual resources to address contemporary issues such as technology and development, education, human rights and the role of values in cultural and social change.

The U.S. Congress established the East-West Center in 1960. According to its website, the center “promotes better relations and understanding among the people and nations of the Unite States, Asia and the Pacific through cooperative study, research and dialog.” As director, Hershock coordinates summer institutes, workshops and field study programs associated with the Asian studies development program.

Hershock earned a bachelor of arts in philosophy from Yale University and a doctorate in Asian and comparative philosophy from the University of Hawaii.