Introduction to World Philosophies

Course goals

1. students have developed analytic skills in close reading of primary texts from different philosophical traditions: they are able to single out fundamental assumptions, definitions of words, different types of arguments offered to reach a certain conclusion or to reject a conclusion given by other philosophers. (Assessment: online discussion, class discussion, midterm paper, final assignment)
2. students are able to articulate, orally and in writing, their understanding of extracts from primary texts. (Assessment: online discussion, class discussion, midterm paper, final assignment, dialogues)
3. students are able to recognize the most important philosophical questions, especially ‘what is real?’, ‘what is a human being?’, ‘what can I know?’ and ‘what should I do?’; to understand what these questions mean and how philosophers from the Chinese, Indian, Japanese and Western philosophical traditions answered them. (Assessment: online discussion, class discussion, final assignment, dialogues)
4. students are familiar with some developments of fundamental answers within the selected traditions. (Assessment: online discussion, class discussion, midterm paper, final assignment)
5. students might use the skills learned by analyzing philosophical text in other areas of their studies and their lives. The philosophical training —recognizing definitions, drawing distinctions between what might look the same (e.g. two definitions of the word ‘freedom’), recognizing hidden assumptions, coupled with the acquaintance with many different worldviews— might make them become more aware thinkers and citizens, capable of transferring clarity and capacity to look at an issue from different frameworks to whatever endeavor they will embark on (online and class discussion, reflections)

Content