PHIL 210 - Neo-Confucianism and Chinese Buddhism

Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)

Neo-Ruism is one of the most influential intellectual movements in China and East Asia. It combines a profound metaphysics with a subtle theory of ethical cultivation. In addition, this course discusses Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism: while their ethics and views of the self are primary targets of the Neo-Ru critique, Neo-Ruism also exhibits Buddhist influence. To get a sense of parallel intellectual movements outside China, we also make an excursion to briefly discuss Neo-Ruism in Korea. No familiarity with Chinese culture is assumed, but a previous 100-level course in philosophy is a prerequisite because this course assumes students have the ability to tackle subtle issues in metaphysics, personal identity, and ethics. Gus Law.

Prerequisite(s): One 100-level course in Philosophy, Chinese-Japanese, or Religious Studies, or permission of the instructor.

Two 75-minute periods.

Course Format: CLS