PHIL 213.001 – Asian Philosophy

Instructor: Thomas Mattessich. This course meets MTWRF 1:15 – 2:45 p.m. via remote synchronous (RS) instruction.

This is an introductory course on Asian Philosophy. In this course, we will read and critically engage with ancient texts as works of philosophy. Our goal will be to understand the philosophical views these texts present, the reasons for accepting these views, and what it would be to live in accordance with them. We will look at various intellectual traditions including Buddhism, early Indian Philosophy, Confucianism, and Taoism. Topics we will cover include the nature of the world, the existence of the self, human nature, suffering, self-cultivation, the relationship between mind and body, attachment to/detachment from desire, and the good life.

Students will learn about this material by engaging with their peers in class discussions, writing essays, and sharing/receiving peer feedback. This course presupposes no background in philosophy, history, language, or religion. Students must be prepared to read carefully and write thoughtfully. Intellectual curiosity and the ability to engage with your peers in open and respectful dialogue are required.