Buddhism as Philosophy

Catalog description

Buddhism is one of the world’s major religions, but it is at the same time a philosophical system, one that has something to say about many of philosophy’s central problems. These include questions about the existence and nature of the self, the fundamental structure of reality, the possibility of knowledge, and the moral life. In this course, we examine the Buddhist philosophical system, noting where there is debate within the Buddhist tradition, and at times pausing to compare Buddhist views with Western counterparts. Readings come from a variety of sources: contemporary and classical, Eastern and Western. Counts as an elective for the Philosophy major and minor. Satisfies an interdisciplinary minor requirement in South Asian Studies: Awareness of South Asian Culture requirement. Satisfies Philosophical and Religious Perspectives requirement. Satisfies the cultural diversity requirement.