PHIL 297: Asian Philosophy

This course introduces students to some of the principal philosophical traditions of India and China. It examines the belief- systems of Hinduism and Buddhism in both India and China, as well as Taoism. Participants also explore in somewhat more detail the Hindu school of Advaita Vedanta in the work of Sankara, and the Madhyamika Buddhism of Nagarjuna. Traditional topics to be addressed include metaphysics, the theory of self (or not-self), relations of world and mind, the status of God (or the lack thereof), the situation of women in these religions, the goal of philosophy, and others. Comparisons among these traditions and with Western thought are attempted and encouraged, but no prior knowledge of specific traditions is assumed.