PHIL10110 Introduction to Eastern Philosophy

Academic Year 2022/2023

What is the self? What is the nature of reality? How should we respond to human suffering? Eastern philosophy provides answers to such questions that differ quite radically from the Western worldview (and Western philosophy). In this course, we focus for the most part on Buddhism, which asserts that we see ourselves and the world through a veil of ignorance. Buddhism holds, in particular, that the individual sense of self is an illusion, and it promises that a full and permanent liberation from psychological suffering and unease is possible. The Buddhist tradition prescribes ethical conduct and meditation practices as prerequisites for the liberation from suffering or for enlightenment. This course will also provide short introductions to Confucianism and Daoism. The themes will be developed mainly in a conceptual rather than historical manner, and some of the lectures will feature short meditations and guided contemplations of conscious experience.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of the course, students will have an understanding of central themes in Buddhism, as well as Daoism and Confucianism. Students will be able to engage critically with debates in Eastern philosophy and formulate their own views in writing and discussion.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Tutorial

7
Autonomous Student Learning

94
Total

125
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures and tutorials 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: Submission of short discussion questions in the tutorials. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

10
Essay: About 1500 words Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

45
Essay: About 1500 words Week 7 n/a Graded No

45

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Professor Katherine O'Donnell Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Marta Dmuchowska Tutor