Philosophy

This course examines some of the most influential conceptualizations of happiness in the Western tradition. We will consider, in detail, the work of Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics), J.S.Mill (Utlitarianism) and Freud (Civilisation and Its Discontents). This focus will allow us to explore a range of ideas about the nature of happiness and the possibility (or impossibility) of our achieving it. Particular emphasis will be placed on the ongoing influence of these conflicting ideas in our contemporary world.

This courses focuses on seven cities and moments in history where western culture has been especially significant for transformations affecting social and economic life. Each location includes a study of relevant philosophers. Topics include: Amsterdam 1650; Paris 1750; Jena 1800; Athens 400 B.C.E.; Vienna 1900; Berlin 1930; New York 1970.

This course focuses on some central topics and arguments in the philosophy of mind and language in the tradition of analytic philosophy. The main aim is to engage in detail with arguments and texts that have played a central role in contemporary discussions. Topics include: the nature of linguistic and mental content; the nature of thought and its relation to linguistic understanding; what is reference and meaning and what are their relations to intentionality and concepts; the relation between our inferential and representational abilities and the nature of our rationality; the nature and our knowledge of our mental states; the relation between the physical and the mental domains. Students acquire an understanding of central topics in the philosophy of mind and language and they will be in a position to explain and to engage competently orally and in writing with these problems. More specifically they will be in a position to: master the central concepts in the theory of language and mind; understand the philosophical positions involved on the debates; understand the arguments in favor or against the relevant philosophical theses; have some appreciation of the significance of these issues for other areas of philosophy.

This course examines some central topics in the philosophies of language. We discuss core concepts such as that of truth, meaning, validity, inference. We then focus on the normative role of truth and validity in relation to reasoning. Although this course does not presuppose any specific competence in formal logic, some basic acquaintance in elementary formal logic may help.

This course introduces pre-Qin Taoist philosophy, and mainly explains the important concepts and issues of pre-Qin Taoist philosophy through study, discussion, and teacher explanation. This course consists of two units with equal emphasis: Laozi and Zhuangzi. In terms of form, the course focuses on methods of argumentation and strategies for meaning-making in philosophical writings. In terms of content, it discusses the social value of Taoist philosophy and views on interpersonal interaction, of which language and communication are important themes.

The course is intended covers issues from a number of different perspectives, specifically considering cultural, political, legal, but also economical aspects, including those relevant outside a Western context. It provides an overview of the legal situation in a national, European, and international setting. Participants gain an understanding of the various forms of intellectual property (copyright, patent, trademark, etc.) and expanding or antagonistic concepts including the creative commons, open access, open source, and piracy. 

This course introduces the origin and development of Chinese Buddhism. It describes the main schools of Chinese Buddhism and the lives and thoughts of important thinkers. This course introduces the basic ideas of Indian Buddhism and the general process of its introduction into China. It provides an analysis of two important works in the early history of Chinese Buddhism: Zhao Lun and Awakening of Faith in the Mahayana, the main sects of Sui and Tang Dynasty Buddhism (Sanlun, Tiantai, Weishi, Huayan , Pure Land, Zen)’s main works and thoughts.