Philosophy

The course will be conducted in the form of seminar. We will interpret and discuss one of the most important classic texts of moral philosophy resp. philosophical ethics, Critique ofPractical Reason

by Immanuel Kant, in which he rejects all hitherto representative moral principles, such as the desire for happiness (eudaimonia), the will of God (theonomy) and the moral sense. They are replaced by the radically new principle, autonomy, namely the self-legislating of the will. In this way the key

concept of the modern time, the freedom, receives a philosophical foundation.

These sessions will follow the order of the actual sequence of the original text. There will be 13 sessions in total.

This course is mainly designed for graduate students, while it is also open to advanced undergraduate students. Students and docents from other universities are also welcomed. We are looking forward to having students and docents who already have some preliminary knowledge of Kant’s philosophy and are eager to broaden and deepen their comprehension.

It is advisable to read through the entire Critique of Practical Reason, at least cursorily, before the beginning of the course.

This course is designed to introduce students to the main currents of Chinese ancient spiritual traditions, tracing into literary and philosophical texts the inner experience that they carry and interpret. Pondering over a selection of relevant excerpts, the students will navigate throughout Taoist, Confucian, Legist and early Buddhist traditions. Students will be able to understand and compare the structure of the spiritual world as suggested by various schools, mystics and authors, and to approach the journeys that have been undertaken into the inner world. The goal of the course is also to provide students with skills in comparative textural and cultural studies, by drawing their attention to the lived experience that lies behind major texts of Chinese culture.

An Introduction to Philosophy This course aims at being an introduction to the way of philosophical thinking through a close reading of Plato’s Republic and other classical philosophical texts. The course will introduce the students to the major topics, problems, concepts and approaches of philosophy by following the lead of Socrates to examine the ways of life. In addition, the course will provide a preliminary training of reading, arguing and writing in the philosophical way. Introduction: philosophy as a way of life Republic I: Justice, the failure of the definition Republic II: The founding of a just city? Republic III: Education of the Guardians Republic IV: From city to Soul Republic V:　Three Waves Republic VI: the way to philosophy Republic VII: the ladder of learnings Republic VIII: degenerate cities Republic IX: Tyrant Republic X: the Myth of Er Mencius I: Justice and advantages Mencius II: Beyond Altruism and Egoism Mencius III: Ataraxia Mencius IV: Natural Goodness Great Learning

The course is structured around four core texts, each of which relates to the "ontological argument" for the existence of God.  These texts are: Anselm, PROSLOGION; Descartes, MEDITATIONS (selection); Spinoza, ETHICS, Part I; and Kant, RELIGION WITHIN THE LIMITS OF REASON ALONE (selection).  The "ontological argument" provides a guiding thread for reflection on how these four philosophers approach religious faith philosophically, and for critical discussion of conceptions of enlightenment and modernity used to characterize developments in European philosophy from Descartes onwards.  Particular attention is paid to ideas of illumination or enlightenment within each core text, through a consideration of literary features such as metaphor alongside rational arguments.

Through classroom study, classic reading and course videos, a more comprehensive understanding of the basic knowledge of critical thinking and argumentation theory. Through case analysis and problem discussion, this course will focus on cultivating my ability of independent thinking, comprehensive analysis and language expression. Through the overall design of the course, it will guide the formation of reflective thinking attitude, logical thinking skills and open thinking quality, reflecting critical thinking and innovative spirit.

This course investigates central questions of recent ethical theory. Topics include the nature of the good, the badness of death, utilitarian accounts of right and wrong action, virtue (esp. justice and benevolence), equality, partiality and impartiality, responsibility and moral luck.

An introduction of chinese buddhist history, including important events , main figures and schools.

This course includes:

 (1) A comprehensive overview of the history of Chinese Buddhism based on the stages of its spread and development in early China;

 (2) Introduction to the translation, annotation, and dissemination of Buddhist classics; 

(3) Selective explanation of the main ideological thoughts, religious sects, and their theoretical characteristics in Chinese Buddhism through reading original materials; 

(4) Exploring the exchange and integration between Buddhism and traditional Chinese culture in the context of Chinese social and cultural backgrounds. Additionally, based on classroom teachings, selected readings will be organized, followed by open discussions.

This course examines the relationship between philosophy and religion from the perspective of different philosophical and religious traditions. Topics include: the nature of ultimate reality, arguments for and against the existence God or gods, competing philosophical and religious accounts of life after death, religious pluralism and God or gods, competing philosophical and religious accounts of life after death, religious pluralism and diversity.