Philosophy of East and West

(2.5-3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

Taught at a host institution. This unit introduces students to some central ideas in Eastern traditions such as Buddhism, examining these ideas from a Western philosophical perspective. Topics covered include the nature of reality, consciousness, the self, suffering and happiness, karma, free will, the scope of knowledge, ethics and the ultimate goal of human existence. Classical and contemporary sources are used. Some of these topics are approached with an eye to seeking convergence with ideas in Western philosophy, for example, in Hume's idea that there is no self, or in the sort of ethical framework that Buddhism adopts. **Course must be taken for at least 2.5 credit to qualify for second philosophy requirement.