Asian Philosophy

This course will survey canonical texts in four mainstream Asian philosophical traditions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. In the process, it will compare their similarities and contrast their differences, developing an appreciation of their profound influences on society, culture, and politics. Ultimately, it will show how Asian philosophies and their unique views of mind, consciousness, ethics, purpose, and the fulfillment of human potential are exerting transformative effects on Western arts and sciences, and upon global civilization as a whole.