Questions of Indian and Far Eastern Philosophy and Spirituality

Language

French

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of Western philosophy or one of the Eastern philosophies.

Main themes

The course primarily focuses on Hindu, Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist philosophies and spiritualities. It explores the foundations, ideological context, devotional expressions, as well as heterodox or sectarian evolutions of these traditions. The presentation is based on the experiences and teachings that underpin Eastern thought.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	Acquire the ability to critically address issues of Indian and Far Eastern philosophies and spiritualities, on the basis of primary sources, whether textual or archaeological.
2	Acquire the ability to critically address Western representations of Eastern religions.

Content

The course is structured around the following four sections:

1. Hindu philosophy
2. Buddhist philosophy
3. Confucian philosophy
4. Taoist philosophy

Teaching methods

Lectures including reflections on certain philosophical terms, the presentation of research carried out by the teacher, as well as debates on fundamental questions of Eastern philosophy.

Evaluation methods

Students will be assessed in a closed-book oral examination. A list of questions will be provided in preparation for this exam. On the examination day, each student will be required to answer four questions from this list. The assessment criteria include: the structure of the answer, logical and at the same time personal, critical and at the same time self-critical, as well as a good knowledge of Eastern philosophies, while remaining open to other religious or philosophical traditions.

Bibliography

M. Thompson, Eastern Philosophy, London : Cox & Wyman Ltd, 2003.
E. Alteriani, Guide des Philosophies Orientales, Paris : Éditions de Vecchi, 1997.
 

Teaching materials

• Textes proposés et fournis aux participants en fonction. du contenu du séminaire.

Faculty or entity

> EHAC