Admission requirements
This course is mandatory for first-year BA students in Philosophy: Global and Comparative Perspectives.
This course is available as an elective for BA students SSEAS.
A limited number of places is available for students from other departments.
Description
The course is an introduction to several of the most influential philosophical schools and thinkers in premodern India. The course begins with a brief historical overview and an introduction to the Vedas and the Upaniṣads. The rest of the semester will introduce students to some of the most significant insights developed by the schools of Indian philosophy, such as Buddhism, Jainism, Nyāya, Vedānta and Sāṃkya. Specific topics to be discussed may include justification and the means of right knowledge (pramāṇas), the existence (or nonexistence) of a self (ātman); the existence of a supreme being (īśvara), and the study of virtuous character.
Course objectives
This course aims to introduce students to the Indian Philosophical tradition.
Students who successfully complete the course will have a good understanding of:
- basic philosophical positions and philosophical vocabulary of several of the most influential schools of Indian Philosophy.
Students who successfully complete the course will be able to:
present this knowledge in written form (written exams);
formulate critical responses to these philosophical ideas and positions.
Timetable
Visit MyTimetable.
Mode of instruction
- Lectures
Class attendance is required.
Assessment method
Assessment
Midterm written examination with short open questions and essay questions (50%)
Final written examination with short open questions and essay questions (50%)
Weighting
The final mark for the course is established by determining the weighted average of the two subtests (see above).
Resit
The resit consists of one examination for all parts at once, consisting of a written examination covering the entire course content. The mark for the resit replaces all previously earned marks for subtests.
Inspection and feedback
Exam review upon request of the student organized within 30 days after publication of the exam results.
Reading list
Gethin, Rupert. 1998. The Foundations of Buddhism. Oxford University Press. (Required).
Other texts will be announced on Brightspace.
Registration
Enrolment through uSis is mandatory.
General information about uSis is available on the website
Students are strongly advised to register in uSis through the activity number which can be found in the timetables for courses and exams.
Registration Studeren à la carte and Contractonderwijs
Registration Studeren à la carte
Registration Contractonderwijs
Contact
Remarks
Not applicable.