161-240 Chinese Philosophy

At least one first-year philosophy subject, or permission from the Head of Department, or the lecturer-in-charge of the subject.

This course on Chinese Philosophy focuses on the major philosophical schools of Classical China, including Confucianism, Mohism, and Daoism. Works produced in this period (12th century BCE; 221 BCE; Confucius born 551 BCE) exerted a profound influence over subsequent philosophical development in China, Korea, and Japan. In some years, the course may also examine later, neo-Confucian, developments in Chinese thinking and the philosophical legacy of Buddhism in China. A central topic of investigation will be Chinese theories of human nature and the connection between competing claims in moral psychology and competing moral and political theories. On completion of this course, students should be familiar with major thinkers and schools in Classical China; develop skill in comparative philosophy so as to enrich their readings of both Chinese and Western philosophical texts; be able to critically examine philosophical arguments derived from careful and critical readings of texts.

• develop skills in constructing and assessing the strength of arguments, identifying theoretical assumptions, and assessing conflicting arguments;

• develop the ability to read texts analytically and offer textual support for interpretations;

• have improved critical thinking and analysis skills.

The best three of five quizzes on the primary texts 20%, a written assignment of 1500 words 30% (due mid semester), tutorial participation 3% and a 2-hour written examination (not open-book) 47% (at the end of the semester).