Print syllabusBuddhist Philosophy. An Introduction
General data
| Course ID: | 3600-IN-BP-OG |
| Erasmus code / ISCED: |
08.1
|
| Course title: | Buddhist Philosophy. An Introduction |
| Name in Polish: | Buddhist Philosophy. An Introduction |
| Organizational unit: | Faculty of Oriental Studies |
| Course groups: |
General university courses General university courses in the humanities |
| ECTS credit allocation (and other scores): |
(not available)
|
| Language: | English |
| Type of course: | elective courses |
| Prerequisites (description): | general university lecture, general faculty lecture - open to all those interested in the subject; the course begins on: 15.04.2019. Minimum English language competence: C1 |
| Mode: | Classroom |
| Short description: |
The course is devoted to Buddhist philosophy as it emerged around the fifth century BCE and subsequently evolved in South Asia till its disappearance after the twelfth century CE. It will deal with the beginnings of Buddhism, most important historical stages and prominent philosophical schools of Buddhism such as Abhidharma tradition and Mahayana, including the School of the Middle Path (Madhyamaka), the School of Mind-Only (Yogacara). |
| Full description: |
Buddhism can be understood both as a religion and philosophy which developed to serve religious goals but also led to a range of important philosophical insights. Philosophy is a rational inquiry, and only this aspect of Buddhism will be discussed in the course. The course is devoted to Buddhist philosophy as it emerged around the fifth century BCE and subsequently evolved in South Asia till its disappearance after the twelfth century CE. After a brief outline of the beginnings of Buddhism and its historical background, a series of lectures will focus the most important philosophical ideas of Buddhist philosophy. Most important historical stages and prominent philosophical schools of Buddhism will be discussed: the teachings of the Buddha and early Buddhist thought, the concept on empty persons (anatta) and Buddhist realist ontology related to the Abhidharma tradition, later developments of Buddhist thought related to Mahayana and Buddhist idealism, which include three main branches: the School of the Middle Path (Madhyamaka), the School of Mind-Only (Yogacara) and the School of Epistemology and Logic. The course will focus on philosophy and will not deal with non-philosophical issues: nothing related to Buddhist religious practice etc. will be discussed. Students will be required to read short texts before every class. Presence in the class is obligatory. |
| Bibliography: |
PRIMARY TEXT: Siderits, Mark (2007) Buddhism as Philosophy. An Introduction. Aldershot: Ashgate / Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Company. ADDITIONAL READINGS: Carpenter, Amber D. (2014) Indian Buddhist Philosophy. Metaphysics as Ethics. London–New York: Routledge. Conze, Edward (1983) Buddhist Thought in India. Three Phases of Buddhist Philosophy. Corrected Edition. London: George Allen & Unwin. Emmanuel, Steven M. (ed.) (2013) A Companion to Buddhist Philosophy. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell. Warder, A.K. (2000) Indian Buddhism. Third Revised Edition. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass. Williams, Paul (2009) Mahayana Buddhism. The Doctrinal Foundations. Second edition. London–New York: Routledge. |
| Learning outcomes: |
After completing the course student - knows basic concepts related to Buddhism - knows the philosophy of Buddhism - knows the relationship between religion, philosophy and ethics as instantiated by Buddhism K_W03 knows and understands basic philosophical currents and concepts related to Buddhism and the role of philosophical reflection in shaping culture K_W07 has a well-ordered knowledge of the philosophy and religion of Buddhism K_W10 can name and characterize the basic cultural phenomena associated with Buddhism K_W18 understands and comprehends basic methods of analysis and interpretation of various cultural products appropriate to the native traditions of South Asia as instantiated by Buddhism K_U02 can identify sources of cultural differences in South Asian countries conditioned by religion K_U03 uses the basic concepts of the philosophy and religion of South Asia as instantiated by Buddhism K_U10 can identify most important intellectual issues, dilemmas, aesthetic preferences formulated within the culture of South Asia as instantiated by Buddhism K_K01 understands the need for lifelong learning K_K04 can appropriately define the aims and means of achieving them in terms of scientific, professional and social activity K_K05 is aware of the cultural difference and its religious, philosophical, moral, and historical sources and its significance for the understanding of the contemporary world K_K06 sees the need for intercultural dialogue K_K07 is aware of the importance of South Asian culture and Buddhism in world culture K_K09 Recognizes the positive socio-cultural values of South Asia and Buddhism, which can be used for personal development and effective intercultural communication |
| Assessment methods and assessment criteria: |
(1) regular attendance (one unexcused absence is admitted), (2) reading the assigned portions of texts, (3) entry quizzes which check whether the participant has read the assgined portion of texts, (4) final written essay in English |
| Practical placement: |
none |
Copyright by University of Warsaw.
