PHL2850 Topics in Indian Philosophy
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Handbook entry- a brief description of the subject can be found in the handbook entry. The handbook also provides information about the unit leader, the semester and mode in which the unit is available, the contact hours and the assessment requirements.
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MUSO site - there is a WebCT site for this unit where assessment tasks, lecture notes and other unit resources will be posted. Once enrolled, students taking this unit are advised to check the WebCT site regularly.
Subject description:
This subject looks at what the ancient Indian philosophers have to say on questions in metaphysics and ethics. Indian philosophical systems emerged as a crystallisation of discussion and debates between the Hindus and the heterodox traditions, e.g. the Buddhists and Carvakas (materialists) that took place around the fifth century B.C. The approach will be historical, but in studying the views of the Indian philosophers we are not just concerned with the history of philosophy. We shall engage with the material in the texts in ways so that we are just doing philosophy; we will deal with the material just as we would deal with any contemporary philosophical text.
What will I accomplish by taking this subject?
Students who complete the course successfully will develop some understanding of the basic divisions in the Indian philosophical schools and the views held by various philosophers on issues. You will appreciate how the Indian philosophical systems share the philosophical concerns and problems that occupy the Western mind and also how they differ in their approach, from contemporary Western philosophy. Most importantly, you will be in a position to rethink about some contemporary philosophical problems in a new and hopefully illuminating way.
Do I need to have taken the units in Philosophy prior to this subject?
Not really. A first year unit in philosophy (Time, Self and Freedom) is recommended as a broad introduction to metaphysical issues but not required. However, people with no background in Philosophy might find this subject a bit challenging. So, if you are willing to take on a challenge that is intellectually rewarding, this is the subject for you!
What if I have a background in Religious studies but haven't done any Philosophy before?
There will be some parts of the course that you might find a bit challenging. But there are a variety of topics in the course, some of which are likely to interest you more than others. Your choice of topics for essays, which will be your major assignment, will be very broad and special topics for students with specific interests can be arranged.
Give me a sample ...
The Orthodox Indian philosophers, the Hindus, regard pure consciousness as the essential property of the self or person. But in deep sleep we are not conscious. Do we cease to exist? Is there reason to deny that pure consciousness is essential to the self? Sankara explains: the apparent absence of consciousness is because of the absence of objects; consciousness does not cease to exist. He offers a beautiful analogy to support his claim. Think of empty space (or a vacuum), which is brightly lit. Can we see anything? We cannot see anything because of the absence of objects not because of the absence of light. Consciousness is likened to light, if there are no objects to be illuminated, it does not cease to be. Does the analogy help in making sense of the notion of pure consciousness?