Indian Philosophy

Subject 672-361 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2009.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Thirty-two contact hours per semester: two 1-hour lectures per week for the first 11 weeks and a 1-hour tutorial per week beginning the third week of semester
Total Time Commitment: 3 contact hours/week, 5.5 additional hours/week. Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: At least one first-year philosophy or Asian studies subject (in consultation with the lecturers), or permission from the Head of School or the lecturers in charge of the subject.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Contact

Dr Guy Petterson

guylp@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: This subject explores Indian philosophical thinking about the nature of reality and the problem of human existence. It examines a wide range of views on the nature of the self, body and mind, the world and liberation, in the Indian philosophical tradition. The main areas covered include the early philosophical speculations of the Vedas, Upanishads and Indian Buddhism through to the mature argumentation of the Hindu philosophical schools and later developments in the Tantras. The influence and application of Indian philosophical ideas in areas such as yoga and meditation will also be considered.
Objectives: Students who successfully complete this subject will
  • have a solid understanding of the key concepts of a range of Indian philosophies
  • have a grasp of the historical development of Indian philosophy
  • be aware of different philosophical positions regarding the nature of reality
  • be conversant with Indian philosophical methods of argumentation and debate
Assessment: A written assignment of 2000 words 50% (due mid-semester), a 2-hour closed-book written examination 47% (due at the end of semester) and tutorial participation 3%.
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available from the Bookroom at the beginning of semester
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: Students who successfully complete this subject will
  • be able to compare and contrast abstract and conceptual frameworks
  • be able to evaluate competing philosophical arguments
  • be able to express their own views in the form of clear and effective arguments
  • be familiar with the methods of cross-cultural analysis
Notes: Previously available as Body, Time and Spirit in Indian Thought. Students who have completed Body, Time and Spirit in Indian Thought are not eligible to enrol in this subject.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Philosophy

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