2009 Fall PHIL 163-01
Bulletin Course Description The major schools of classical Chinese philosophy: Confucianism, Moism, and Taoism. Confucianism on the ideals of harmonious human life; Moism's charge that Confucianism encourages an unjustified partiality toward the family; Taoism's claim that no logically consistent set of doctrines can articulate the ''Truth.'' Debates and mutual influences among these philosophies. Comparisons between Chinese and Western cultures with respect to philosophical issues and solutions. Instructor: Wong
(Instructor named in bulletin description above may not be current. For current instructor, see listing below.)
Title CHINESE PHILOSOPHY Department PHIL Course Number 2009 Fall 163 Section Number 01 Primary Instructor Wong,David Prerequisites
Synopsis of course content
This course will be an exploration in major schools of ancient Chinese philosophy: Confucianism, Mohism, Daoism and Legalism. Topics include Confucianism’s vision of the way human beings ought to live their lives in harmonious relationship to each other, especially within the family, Mohism’s charge that Confucianism encourages people to be partial towards their families and not sufficiently concerned about everyone, Daoism’s rejection of the idea that the “Truth” can be captured in a logically consistent set of doctrines, its embrace “wu wei” (effortless action), and Legalism’s pragmatic rejection of moral idealism in its conception of government. We shall see how the advocates of these different philosophies debated and borrowed ideas from each other. We will often view these philosophies from a comparative perspective, addressing the questions, “To what extent do these Chinese philosophies touch on problems and issues addressed in Western cultures? To what extent do they propose solutions that are similar to or very different from those proposed in Western cultures?” Finally, we shall simply ask, “Do these ideas embody wisdom that applies to us?” Philosophers to be read include Confucius (Kongzi), Mencius (Mengzi), Mozi, Laozi, Zhuangzi, and Hanfeizi.
Textbooks
Mostly primary sources in translations, with some secondary articles posted on Blackboard
Assignments
Two essays of approximately 5-6 double-spaced typescript pages. I will provide you with suggested topics about two weeks before the essays are due. Each essay will count for 30% of the course grade.
Exams
A take-home final examination covering material for the whole course, lectures, class discussion and reading assignments. This is 40% of the course grade.
Grade to be based on
Performance on the paper assignments and final, as well as class participation (which will count positively toward the student's grade in borderline cases).
