Module description
This module (along with 7AAN2035 Indian Philosophy II: The Heterodox Schools) 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 Sankhya, Mimamsa, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, however the positions and arguments of opposing schools, such as Buddhism and Carvaka (Materialists), are regularly adduced to enhance our study. The examination of these schools makes use of translations of the 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
Formative assessment: one 2,000–3,000-word essay.
Summative assessment: one 4,000-word essay (100%).
Teaching pattern
One weekly one-hour lecture and one weekly one-hour seminar.