Asian Philosophy

Asian Philosophy generally refers to the philosophical traditions of China, India, and Japan. The department has particular strengths in Chinese philosophy, which originated in the 12th century B.C.E., and further developed in the major philosophical schools of classical China: Confucianism, Mohism, Daoism, and Legalism. The ethical, religious, and political doctrines of these early philosophical movements, in addition to Buddhism, which entered China around the first century C.E., affected cultural, philosophical, political, religious, and scientific developments throughout Chinese history. Their influence is also seen throughout the cultures of East Asia. The philosophies of India have their earliest roots in the Vedic tradition and eventually flowered into six orthodox darshanas of Hindu philosophy as well as the traditions of Buddhism, Jaina, Charvaka, and Tantra. Buddhism went on to have an especially profound impact in other parts of Asia, something that is seen clearly in Japanese thought, which gave rise to a variety of distinctive forms of Buddhism in the midst of indigenous philosophical and religious influences, as well as the influence of Chinese thought.

As even a cursory overview shows, there is no one system that can be called "Asian" philosophy. Diversity and healthy dialogue between differing and often contradictory systems of thought characterize the philosophical traditions of Asia. Indeed, in spite of their popular conflation with mysticism, spiritualism, and traditionalism, Asian philosophies can be as fiercely argumentative and rigorous as any Western philosophies. In many cases, the philosophical traditions of Asia can provide a fresh and distinctive approach to the traditional problems of Western philosophy. Comparative studies of these problems can be mutually illuminating and can help us to understand the way that some of the same concerns have been addressed within different philosophical traditions and cultures. Exploring such constructive engagement between traditions is increasingly important in the more global age in which we live, and the department is committed to the study of the most important philosophical writings associated with the traditions of Asia.

Recent and Prospective Courses:

Asian Philosophy (general survey)
Classical Chinese Political Philosophy
Classical Daoism
Mengzi (Mencius)
Seminar: The Analects
Women and Virtue in Ancient China