161-247 Asian Traditions of Philosophy: Debates on Culture, Self and Morals

Note

Available as 161-347 at 3rd-year level.

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

One first-year single-semester Philosophy subject or Asian studies subject (in consultation with the lecturer). Students who lack these prerequisites, but believe themselves adequately prepared to attempt any second/third year subjects, should consult the Head of Department.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

An inquiry into some major philosophical debates in Asian thought, focusing on conceptions of reality-nature, self-other, culture-morality, collective-individual, obligations-rights and virtue-justice (karma, dharma), inviting a comparative location of eastern doctrines of praxis and self realisation. The significant role of argument, language and hermeneutics will be read from classical Indian (Brahmanical) systems of philosophy. The analysis will be intersected with relevant discussions in Chinese philosophies (Tao, Confucian), Japanese (Kyoto-Zen School), as well as contemporary developments in Philosophy East/West (legal, religious, bioethical, feminist, postcolonial critiques). Students will be encouraged to gain critical knowledge of the specificity of Asian intellectual responses to problems concerning existence and what-there-is-not, thinking, understanding, suffering, feeling; and caring for the earth and its beings.

Assessment

One 2-hour end-of-semester examination, an essay of no more than 2500 words, a mid-semester class paper comprising multiple choice and short answers, plus regular attendance and participation in tutorials.