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Identical coursesEast-West Perspectives in Philosophy (B-KUL-W0AN1A)
Cannot be taken as part of an examination contractAims
The purpose of this course is to initiate the student in aspects of Eastern (foremost Far-Eastern) thought from the perspective of comparative philosophy, or, alternatively, to enlighten aspects of western thought or of universalizing conceptions of philosophy through comparison and contrast with Eastern thought. This is done by interactive lectures as well as by discussing texts that have been read in advance by the students. At the end of this course the student should be able
- to have a feeling for and a balanced judgment on the diversity of conceptions of philosophical thought and its relation to practices
- to apply such insights to one or a few specific topics such as the ones mentioned below under 'contents'.
- to give diligent comments on philosophical texts on issues such as the ones mentioned (texts that do not presuppose philological expertise in the intellectual traditions in question).
Previous knowledge
Basic knowledge of Western philosophy as it is developed in a BA program in philosophy and interest in other thought traditions (without presupposing specific knowledge of these traditions).
Is included in these courses of study
- Bachelor of Theology and Religious Studies (Abridged Programme) (Leuven) 120 ects.
- Bachelor of Theology and Religious Studies (Leuven) 180 ects.
- Master of Cultural Anthropology and Development Studies (Leuven) 60 ects.
- Master in de wijsbegeerte (Leuven) 60 ects.
- Master of Philosophy (Leuven) 60 ects.
- Bachelor in de taal- en regiostudies: Japanse studies (Leuven) (Cultuur-historische minor) 180 ects.
- Research Master: Master of Advanced Studies in Theology and Religion (Leuven) 120 ects.
- Master of Theology and Religious Studies (Leuven) 60 ects.
- Research Master of Philosophy (Abridged Programme) (Leuven) 60 ects.
- Research Master of Philosophy (Leuven) 120 ects.
- Microcredential filosofische propedeuse (Leuven) 50 ects.
- Bachelor in de wijsbegeerte (Leuven) 180 ects.
- Bachelor in de wijsbegeerte (Leuven) (Optie Liberal Arts met taaltraject Duits) 180 ects.
- Bachelor in de wijsbegeerte (Leuven) (Optie Liberal Arts met taaltraject Frans) 180 ects.
- Bachelor of Philosophy (Leuven) 180 ects.
- Bachelor of Philosophy (Leuven) (Minor Liberal Arts with Language Track French) 180 ects.
- Bachelor of Philosophy (Leuven) (Minor Liberal Arts with Language Track German) 180 ects.
- Bachelor in de politieke wetenschappen en de sociologie (programma voor studenten gestart in 2022-2023 of later) (Leuven) (Minor filosofie) 180 ects.
- Courses for Exchange Students Institute of Philosophy (Leuven)
Activities
4 ects. East-West Perspectives in Philosophy (B-KUL-W0AN1a)
Content
The theme of the course will be “Zen Philosophy in a Comparative Context: Language, Knowledge, Self.” The course will provide a systematic introduction to the themes of language, knowledge, and self in reference to Zen Buddhist philosophical texts as well as select figures and schools of thought from the traditionally Western canon. The approach we will take is historical with respect to primary texts, but contemporary with respect to the issues and questions discussed. The methodology will be comparative in nature.
Course material
Course Material (available via Toledo)
Primary course materials (provisional; subject to change at the discretion of the professor):
- Dumoulin, Heinrich, Zen Buddhism: A History, volumes 1 & 2 (Bloomington: World Wisdom, 2005)
- Heisig, James W. and Thomas P. Kasulis and John C. Maraldo (eds.), Japanese Philosophy: A Sourcebook (Honolulu, University of Hawai’i Press, 2011)
- Hershock, Peter, Chan Buddhism (Honolulu: University of Hawai’i Press, 2004)
- Kasulis, Thomas P., Zen Action/Zen Person (Honolulu: University of Hawai’i Press, 1987)
Format: more information
Classroom sessions will combine formal lectures and informal discussions. Students are encouraged to participate actively in debate and to raise related issues relevant to their lives and experience. Students are expected to prepare all readings in advance of the sessions for which they are scheduled. Some of the assigned primary texts are difficult, but will be openly discussed in class and complemented with optional secondary readings.
Course Objectives:
- Develop an understanding of philosophical problems of language, knowledge, and self in the context of comparative philosophy.
- Question claims made by philosophers and to learn to test them against available evidence with a view to advancing general and transferable critical skills.
- Learn to appreciate the philosophical import of Chinese and Japanese culture and thought.
- Achieve competency in the technical terminology of Zen philosophy.
- Compare the tools and concerns of Zen philosophy with those of other philosophical and non-philosophical approaches and practices.
- Reach advanced levels of comprehension, argumentation, and writing skills.
Evaluation
Evaluation: East-West Perspectives in Philosophy (B-KUL-W2AN1a)
Explanation
A 2500-3000 word paper is to be submitted at the end of the course on a topic approved by the professor (70% of the grade). Active participation is required (30% of the grade).
Students should inform themselves about the general faculty guidelines for papers and bibliographical referencing and about the faculty guidelines with regard to plagiarism.
Information about retaking exams
The second examination attempt is limited to (re)submitting the major paper. Elements of participation grade cannot be retaken. If students did not attend class as required, they will again receive a result of NA.