Module description
This module (along with 7AAN2034 Indian Philosophy) is intended for students who wish to gain an introduction to Indian philosophy that looks carefully at the high standard of logic, epistemology, metaphysics and linguistics that grounded the various philosophical systems.The schools most fully examined are Buddhism, Jainism and Advaita Vedanta (strictly speaking an Orthodox school, but attacked for being heterodox). However, the positions and arguments of opposing schools, such as Sankhya, Mimamsa, Nyaya, Vaisheshika and Carvaka (Materialists), are regularly adduced to enhance our study.The examination of these schools makes use of translations of the key primary texts and focuses upon the vigorous debate over conceptual analysis and argumentative strategies by which the schools presented their philosophical positions, defended them against attacks by other schools, and mounted in turn their own attacks. Studying Indian philosophy in this way demonstrates both the similarities and the philosophically important differences in the way the main issues of philosophy have been addressed in India and in the West.
Assessment details
Summative assessment: 1 x 3,500-word essay (100%)
Formative assessment: 1 x 2,000–3,000-word essay
Teaching pattern
One one-hour weekly lecture and one one-hour weekly seminar over ten weeks.