Asian and Comparative Philosophy

This subject is not offered in 2012.

An average of 8.5 hours each week.

None.

None.

Students should have completed at least one prior Philosophy subject before enrolling in this subject.

Students who have completed 161-221 or 674-307 are not permitted to enrol in this subject.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject is an introduction to central aspects of Asian philosophy, especially the philosophical traditions of India, China and Japan. Students can expect to engage with the basic elements of the philosophical thought of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism and Zen. The course will also examine Asian philosophical commentarial traditions and comparisons between Asian and Continental philosophy.

Students who successfully complete this subject will

• be introduced to some of the central philosophical ideas and principles of the Asian/Eastern traditions, with a particular focus on Indian, Chinese and Japanese traditions.
• have developed a critical understanding of the ways in which Asian thinkers have responded to problems in metaphysics, theories of knowledge and ethical thought.
• be able to undertake independent inquiry in any of the Asian traditions covered, or comparatively, on any specific problem in philosophy and religion.

A written assignment of 2000 words valued at 50% due mid-semester, and a 2 hour closed book written exam valued at 50% (during the end of semester examination period).

Hurdle Requirement: This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 75% tutorial attendance. Regular participation in tutorials is required. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. After 5 working days late assessment will not be marked. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

A subject reader will be available from the bookshop at the start of semester.

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

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

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.

Students who successfully complete this subject will:

• be able to bring philosophical skills to bear upon their studies in other disciplines.
• have improved their ability to engage with complex texts.
• develop skill in the critique of arguments.