PHILOS 105A

Main Course

Ancient Indian Philosophy

Description

Lecture, three to four hours; discussion, one hour (when scheduled). Preparation: one philosophy course. Study of the four main traditions of classical Indian philosophy up to the 11th century: Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Cārvāka. Examination of metaphysics of self and consciousness, sources of knowledge, structure of the mind, nature of reality, and the ethical outlook of these traditions. Study of main arguments in favor of the different positions offered by these traditions, and the differences between specific sub-schools of the traditions. Emphasis on philosophical argumentation and analysis. P/NP or letter grading.