CHINESE PHILOSOPHY

This course is an introduction to traditional Chinese thought as represented in the classical works of Confucius, Mozi, Mencius, Laozi, Zhuangzi, Xunzi, Mencius (Mengzi) and Han Feizi. The focus is on a distinctive approach to philosophy that is typical of traditional Chinese philosophical thinking. Students read the primary texts in translation. The lectures both provide students with the necessary background for reading the texts in question and introduce students to the major issues concerning each text. Texts and References: Philip J. Ivanhoe and Bryan W. van Norden, READINGS IN CLASSICAL CHINESE PHILOSOPHY; Fung Y. L., A SHORT HISTORY OF CHINESE PHILOSOPHY; Fingarett H., CONFUCIUS: SECULAR AS SACRED; Graham A. C., DISPUTERS OF TAO, PHILOSOPHICAL ARGUMENT IN ANCIENT CHINA; Schwartz B., THE WORLD OF THOUGHT IN ANCIENT CHINA; Liu J. L., INTRODUCTION TO CHINESE PHILOSOPHY. Assessment: Attendance and participation (10%), presentation (20%), essay (70%).