Beyond Borders of Thought: A Philosopher's Fulbright Expedition from Hradec Králové to Santa Cruz

Navigating the Fulbright application process

Despite perceiving studying and conducting research in the US as a significant challenge, Michal Hubálek decided to apply for the Czech Fulbright grant, the Fulbright-Masaryk scholarship, to advance his doctoral dissertation on naturalism and historical/evolutionary explanation. The pivotal moment came after a transformative experience with Professor Paul A. Roth's Philosophy of History course in 2017, motivating him to apply for the Fulbright with the prospect of regular interactions with Professor Roth.

"The application process from August to November 2022 involved refining research proposals, updating the CV, and obtaining three recommendation letters," describes Michal.

 

The Fulbright application process comprises various schemes, numbering over 10 to 15, catering to the non-profit sector, scientists, academics, teachers, etc. The Fulbright-Masaryk scheme, unique to the Czech Republic, requires various proofs of qualification before submission. Apart from many other activities, Michal was co-organizing the Summer School of Philosophy and Social Sciences in Broumov for four years, which reflects his commitment to passing knowledge to younger generations. These Summer Schools were also managed by other doctoral students in collaboration with Assoc. Prof. Filip Jaroš.

"I was then invited for an interview. To my surprise, the interview was not, I felt, primarily concerned with my research proposal or my academic, scientific, or teaching achievements. It was about me as a person, citizen, and cultural ambassador, so the commission was primarily interested in my attitudes, visions, and future professional plans."

 

Ultimately, it all went well, and Michal describes his experience with the process and the Fulbright Commission in very positive terms. We talked about his article in the journal Philosophy of the Social Sciences titled "A Brief (Hi)Story of Just-So Stories in Evolutionary Science". While it was a notable achievement, its impact on the Fulbright application was not the most crucial thing. Despite publications being valued in the application process, Michal believes that they may not be the decisive factor. The focus is more on the overall research outlook and the individual's qualifications and motivations.

Journey from the Czech Republic to the USA

The Fulbright destination is Santa Cruz, California. Professor Paul Roth, a (post)analytical philosopher specializing in the philosophy of social sciences and historiography, is Michal's mentor. Michal admits his initially hesitant approach to choosing Roth as a mentor.

"My philosophical background is full of his influence, and I feared I wouldn't be able to come up with something original. But I quickly realized that he is a fitting mirror to my thinking, and he can provide the most relevant feedback. Professor Roth was also willing to revise the recommendation letter and assist me in various aspects, including accommodation, which I thoroughly appreciate." 

Michal went to the USA along with his family. The Fulbright scholarship offers support for researcher's families, alleviating concerns about the impact on family life because, as Michal also confirms, he would not be able nor willing to spend six months without his daughter and wife.  

Michal Hubálek expects to come home with as much academic experience as possible: "The initial two months will be devoted to active engagement with Professor Roth, who is a great source of inspiration and knowledge for me. The primary goal is to immerse myself in discussions, address various questions, and consolidate my ideas for the dissertation. We'll certainly continue with our debates with Prof. Roth even after my return to the Czech Republic." 

 

Additionally, Michal expressed the desire to actively participate in the academic life at the University of California – Santa Cruz, surrounded by numerous philosophers and fellow doctoral students. Beyond academia, Michal plans to explore the surrounding areas, fostering connections with nearby institutions like Stanford and seizing every opportunity for networking and sharing experiences. He also anticipates traveling with his family, including a trip to Vancouver to collaborate on a research paper with a professor, and explore the cultural and musical history of the region around Seattle, among other things the home of grunge music, but more about that later. 

The benefits of story-telling in science

In the article "A Brief (Hi)Story of Just-So Stories in Evolutionary Science," Michal explores the epistemic cleavages in historical/evolutionary inquiry. "Just-so stories" is a term coined by Stephen Jay Gould and Richard Lewontin in the 1970s to mock what they perceived as inadequately crafted explanations within evolutionary biology. Despite its origin as a derogatory term, Michal argues that it sheds light on the intriguing dual nature of evolutionary science, emphasizing the importance of historical theorizing alongside with its "hard-science" components such as relying on genetic research. The article serves as a bridge, illustrating the term's varied interpretations among scientists and scholars with their implications for different perspectives on evolution and science itself.  

"Evolutionary biology must work from within the dichotomy between the "hard-science" components, and the historiographical dimension (often dismissed as speculative). The term "just-so stories" indirectly reflects the ongoing debate within the scientific community about the role of hypothetical elements, suggesting that those who reject such aspects might have a narrower conception of scientific inquiry. However, the same people would hardly want to say that evolutionary science is not a science. Mapping the term's contemporary usage and exploring its genealogy contributes to a better understanding of the role historical “hypotheses” have in evolutionary science.” 

 

Evolutionary psychology is a good example. The human fossil record gives us ultimately only a snapshot of our evolutionary past. And brains or behaviors, unfortunately, do not fossilize. However, we can still hypothesize about our past using present-day data. Our "speculations" can be informed by today's scientific theories and inquiries. So, Michal is particularly interested in how this dialectic works, and why it might be philosophically important.  Since our self-understanding essentially depends also on the understanding of our past, we cannot just give up the task of trying to explain it.

Tentativeness of science and labels in philosophical thinking

"We as scholars should always question our own conclusions and acknowledge that our findings are valid only within specific conditions and context. This tentativeness is inherent to contemporary science and highlights the scientific approach. It's valid for natural as well as social sciences."  

 

This constant self-questioning, while a fundamental aspect of scientific rigor, poses also a challenge to public trust in science, as the ongoing reevaluation might be perceived as a lack of certainty. One must approach scientific communication with great caution, particularly in fields like epidemiology, where expressing uncertainty about vaccine effectiveness can be politically sensitive. Michal Hubálek reflects on the American context, where scientific perspectives often intersect with religious and political ideologies, emphasizing the need to distinguish between science, religion, and politics in a society that seeks clarity despite the innate complexity of scientific inquiry.  

"Scientists are facing a trend of growing distrust from the public. In the United States, there was this instance where, based on an epidemiological study, singing in church was forbidden. But they allowed protest gatherings, which is paradoxical, to say the least. People may distrust these expert opinions when they don't follow common sense. Which is not a problem per se. However, scientists are still expected to deal with these and similar issues when they arise. It is a difficult position and there will never be an easy solution. Philosophers’ role here is to systematically point out that data do not speak for themselves, and that science is interwoven in our culture as a whole. But that is also easier said than done in particular cases."  

 

It is even more pronounced in recent times when there's a lack of an overarching term to encapsulate the current philosophical era. There seems to be a significant correlation between beliefs in the usefulness of concepts like “human nature” and preferences for "hard" or "soft" sciences. For instance, scholars who favor hard sciences will tend to work with the concept of human nature more often and will, moreover, understand it much more rigidly. It is worth deeper philosophical exploration, but the terminology as such needs to be clarified, too. According to Michal, having an "ism" to describe one's way of thinking is instrumental in explaining philosophical positions. Critically worked out isms are better than unacknowledged dogmas.  

Last spring in 2023, the Philosophical Faculty UHK welcomed a visiting professor from the USA, Willem A. DeVries, who studies another American philosopher Wilfried Sellars, a classical representative of (neo)pragmatism and (post)positivism. These schools of thought combine the approaches of analytical and continental philosophy. DeVries draws from the fact that he belongs to a generation that witnessed the positivism vs. post-positivism debate, which was relevant primarily throughout the 1960s. The evolving nature of philosophy after the decline of positivism is accompanied by more fluid and less rigid frameworks. On the other hand, Michal does not think that we have actually digested post-positivism properly yet. Maybe we must wait for a better “umbrella” ism, or maybe a better understanding of some kind of pluralism will be developed soon. It simply cannot be predicted.  

"Take Willard Van Orman Quine, a pioneer of one of the most popular Anglo-American philosophical perspectives. Until adopting a specific label, "naturalism," in the 1960s, he faced challenges communicating his ideas." 

UHK: making philosophy accessible 

Explaining philosophy is challenging, especially in peripheries: "I come from Rakovník, a small town to the west of Prague, where unconventional choices, such as studying philosophy, might prompt curious questions or teasing. Engaging in serious conversations about philosophy requires sophistication and substantial dialogue. I still try to spark debates among my friends. Since I have always been a bit of a weirdo— abstaining from alcohol, or meat from time to time, and listening to hardcore punk—they know this and laugh at me sometimes. And I get it." 

 

The difficulty lies in making philosophy accessible and fostering genuine conversations that transcend mere poking fun. Michal appreciates the teaching skills of the academic staff at the Department of Philosophy and Social Sciences. He stresses the importance of educators who possess the ability to stimulate philosophical discussions with people from various backgrounds, making philosophy a method of thought that naturally evolves in conversation, often unnoticed. 

"Professor Peregrin wrote a philosophy book accessible to a broader audience exemplifying the positive image of science. The personalities at the department were crucial in my decision to stay at the Philosophical Faculty UHK for my bachelor's, master's, and now Ph.D. study programme. They are exceptional in their work, and I'm grateful to study under their guidance." 

 

There were several other factors influencing Michal's academic path. Selecting Hradec Králové for studies was a confluence of historical circumstances and personal motivations. Coming from Rakovník, Michal wanted to break away from the familiar, seeking a departure from small-town life. The prospect of studying philosophy in Prague, where a different philosophical landscape thrived, was not appealing. Prague also demanded rigorous preparation, often requiring applicants to delve extensively into five books for the entrance exams.   

" At high school, I was anything but a good and patient student, I was not up for a great challenge; I felt I needed something safer to develop at my own pace. Seen from retrospect, the university environment in Hradec offered a more accepting and nurturing atmosphere. I am also one of the lucky students since my family, especially my mother, always believed in me and supported me greatly. I would never be where I am without the efforts of people from the Department and my family." 

 

Nowadays, many students hesitate to leave their hometowns, opting to stay close to family or succumbing to economic constraints since living expenses for the young generation are high. After the initial years of his university studies in Hradec Králové, Michal moved with his family to Prague. Now, he's staying in Santa Cruz, California, where he plans to meet up with other philosophers and historians as well as visit chosen cities from which come his favorite punk bands.

Philosophy and Punk Convergence

In addition to his academic pursuits, Michal finds solace and self-expression through music. Playing in a band that gravitates towards hardcore punk, Michal's involvement in music intertwines with his philosophical inclinations. For Michal, there is no clear distinction between his philosophical identity and his other creative endeavors. Whether writing philosophical articles or crafting lyrics for his band, the underlying essence remains a deliberate expression of his intellectual self.  

Despite a current hiatus due to Michal's temporary absence, the band has recently released an album and performed across several European cities. Their approach to playing gigs and opportunities is grounded in a community spirit, where connections and engagements are fostered through social networks, reflecting the collaborative nature of their musical journey and the (hardcore) punk scene.

Foto: Tomáš Tejkl

For Michal, the creative process in music and philosophy shares similarities in its arduous nature. He emphasizes that crafting lyrics is not spontaneous but a conscious endeavor influenced by traditions, beliefs, and intellectual roots. Academic writing is a similar deliberate process up to the point where philosophical texts need citations and references. There are also references and tributes in music, but they do not need to be explicit. However, history matters in both cases equally.

Department of Philosophy and Social Science, Philosophical Faculty UHK