Chinese Philosophy

Catalog description

This course examines the diversity of Chinese intellectual traditions through readings in English translation, focusing mainly on texts from before the Han dynasty and on early Chinese Buddhism. We will explore differing views on ethics and political philosophy among Confucian, Legalist, Daoist and Mohist authors, and examine the transmission of Buddhism to China and the early stages of its development in that country. The class will emphasize rational arguments and comparisons with Western philosophers. Readings may include selections from the Analects and the Mencius, works by Xunzi, Mozi and Han Feizi, the Daodejing, Buddhist texts from Dunhuang, the Awakening of Faith and the Zhaolun. Prerequisite: PHIL/AAAS 105 or AAAS/HIST 106 or AAAS 260 or two courses in philosophy. Offered spring semesters.