PHI1930: Eastern Philosophies
Taught
by
Douglas J. Phillips II
[email protected]
BA Pepperdine University, MTS Emory University, PhD (c) The California Institute
of Integral Studies
Course Description
This course examines the history, practices, and basic tenets of eastern philosophies.
In particular, the course seeks to provide students with a foundational understanding
of representative thinkers of the eastern philosophical traditions of Hinduism,
Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.
Prerequisites
Students must place into college-level English on placement exam. Previous coursework
in philosophy is preferred but not required.
Required
Texts
Hermann Hesse, Siddhartha
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and Charles A. Moore (edd.), A
Sourcebook in Indian Philosophy. Princeton University Press. (IP)
Wing-Tsit Chan and Charles A. Moore (edd.), A
Sourcebook in Chinese Philosophy. Princeton University Press. (CP)
Software
Neuro-Programmer
meditation enhancing software designed using biofeedback research.
Requirements
Each student is expected to attend weekly classes, complete assigned readings,
turn in exams, and compose a 5-7 page final essay related to class material.
Grading
Policy
Grades will be determined according to participation levels, attendance, test
scores, and the completion of assignments.
Grade Distribution
10% Attendance and Class Participation
10% Meditation
Journal
25% Midterm Exam
25% Final Exam
30% Final Paper
Course Schedule
Session
1
In class:
Introduction to the course
Brief outline of eastern philosophy
Reading:
IP xvii-xxxi
Session
2
In class:
Overview of the history of Indian thought
Reading:
IP 3-36
Session
3
In class:
Description and analysis of Vedas
Reading:
IP 37-64
Session
4
In class:
Upanishads Part I- Isa, Kena, Katha, Prasna, Mundaka, Mandukya, Taittiriya,
Aitareya
Reading:
IP 64-96
Session
5
In class:
Upanishads Part II- Chandogya, Brhadaranyaka, Svetasvatara, Kausitaki, Maitri
Reading:
IP 99-129
Session
6
In class:
Introduction to the Bhagavad-Gita
Reading:
IP 129-163
Session
7
In class:
Analysis of Bhagavad-Gita
Reading:
IP 272-328
Session
8
In class:
Buddhism- Hinayana
Readings:
IP 328-346
Siddhartha 1-40
Session
9
In class:
Buddhism- Mahayana
Reading:
Siddhartha 40-to end
Session
10
In class:
Vedanta and Yoga
Reading:
CP 14-48
Session
11
In class:
Introduction to Chinese philosophy and the thought of Confucius
Reading:
CP 136-176
Session
12
In class:
The natural philosophy of Lao Tzu
Reading:
CP 177-210
Session
13
In class:
The mystical philosophy of Chuang Tzu
Reading:
CP 751-781
Session
14
In class:
Modern Chinese Philosophy- Fung Yu-Lan and Hsiung Shih-li
Reading:
IP 575-637
Session 15
In class:
Modern Indian Philosophy- Sri Aurobindo and Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
Assignment:
Work on final paper
Session
16
In class:
Final paper presentations
Final Exam TBA