Ph4509 Indian Philosophy - Lecture Notes - Indian Philosophy, Study notes of Indian Philosophy

Download Ph4509 Indian Philosophy - Lecture Notes - Indian Philosophy and more Study notes Indian Philosophy in PDF only on Docsity! PH4509 : INDIAN PHILOSOPHY 1. Course Lecturer/Co-ordinator: Dr. Daniel Shaw, Department of Philosophy 2. Credit Value: 15 3. Course description: The course introduces the student to the main varieties of Hindu and Buddhist Philosophy in India and discusses the contribution of these schools to such major branches of philosophy as ontology, epistemology, theory of perception, consciousness and the body, causality and moral philosophy. Throughout, an attempt is made to bring out significant parallels with Western philosophical thought without losing sight of the distinctiveness of these Eastern traditions. There will also be some discussion of the philosophical implications of the Hindu and Buddhist texts and scriptures and some of the major commentaries on these. 4. Aims and Outcomes: Aims The course aims to explain, explore and critically discuss some of the main schools of thought in the Hindu and Buddhist traditions in India. Outcomes By the end of the course the student should have gained knowledge and understanding of ideas and arguments of the major Indian philosophical schools and of their contributions to the main subject areas of philosophy. The student should also acquire skill at identifying and articulating some of the important issues in the Hindu and Buddhist traditions, at interpreting some Indian texts, concepts and arguments, and at critically examine the presuppositions, methods and arguments within the Indian tradition. 5. Assessment: 2 long essays (2500 words) 6. Essays: Each student will be expected to produce two long essays (2500words) which will be due at the end of the 5th and 7th weeks of teaching. The essays should be handed in to the secretary of the department of Philosophy, by 4pm Friday, of the 5th and 7th weeks. 7. Lectures: The course will begin with four lectures that aim to give an introductory overview of the main Indian schools and philosophical issues. These will be given in weeks 1 and 2 on Wednesday at 9am (Taylor C46B) and Friday at 9am (Taylor C46B). 8. Seminars: Beginning in the second week there will be seven weekly 90 minute seminars on Fridays at 1pm (Taylor C25) at which students will give presentations on the following topics:- Week 2 Topic 1: Vedas and Upanishads Topic 2: Society and the Individual Main reading: J. Koller & P. Koller, Asian Philosophies, chapters 3 & 5. Further readings: J. Koller, The Indian Way, chapters 2, 3, 4, 5 & 9. P. Singer (ed), A Companion to Ethics, section 4. R. King, Indian Philosophy: See “Vedas” and “Upanishads” in index. M. Thompson, Eastern Philosophy, pp1-18. Week 3 Topic 1: Self and the World: Samkhya- Yoga Topic 2: Knowledge and Reality: Nyaya- Vaisheshika Main reading: J. Koller & P. Koller, Asian Philosophies, chapters 6 & 7. Further readings: N. Smart, Doctrine & Argument in Indian Philosophy, pp9-10, chapters 5 & 6. R. King, Indian Philosophy: pp 59- 68, chapter 8. M. Thompson, Eastern Philosophy, pp16- 28. Week 4 Topic 1: Reality and Self: Vedanta Topic 2: Historical perspectives on Buddhism & The life and Teachings of the Buddha Main reading: J. Koller & P. Koller, Asian Philosophies, chapters 8, 12 & 13. Further readings (On Vedanta): N. Smart, Doctrine & Argument in Indian Philosophy, chapters 7, 8 & 9. M. Thompson, Eastern Philosophy. See “Sankara”, “Ramanuja” and “Madhva” in index. Further readings (On Buddhism): J. Koller, The Indian Way, chapter 7. N. Smart, Doctrine & Argument in Indian Philosophy, chapter 2. Week 5 Topic 1: Interdependent Arising Topic 2: Sarvstivada Main reading: J. Koller & P. Koller, Asian Philosophies, chapters 14 & 15. Further readings: J. Koller, The Indian Way, chapter 7. R. King, Indian Philosophy, chapter 4. M. Thompson, Eastern Philosophy, chapter 2. Week 6 Topic 1: Madhyamaka: The Middle Way Tradition Topic 2 Yogacara Main reading: J. Koller & P. Koller, Asian Philosophies, chapters 16 & 17. Further readings: M. Thompson, Eastern Philosophy, chapter 4. N. Smart, Doctrine & Argument in Indian Philosophy, pp40- 49. R. King, Indian Philosophy, See “Madhyamaka” and “Yogacara” in index. For further reading for weeks 9, 10 & 11 see reading lists at ends of assigned articles. Week 7 Topic: Rationality in Buddhist Thought Main reading: E. Deutsch & R.Bontekoe (ed), A Companion to World Philosophies, section 30.