Infusion of Sustainability

Transcription

1 1 Phil 419J: Philosophy East and West University of Scranton Spring 2006 Instructor: Dr. Ann Pang-White Infusion of Sustainability Phil 419J (Philosophy East and West) is a required course for students enrolled in the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Program (SJLA) during their junior year. The program is one of the Honors Programs on campus at the University of Scranton. The objective of this course is to broaden students philosophical perspectives through a cross-cultural comparative approach by studying classical texts from both the Western tradition and the Eastern tradition (more specifically, Chinese tradition). The central themes that the course especially focuses on include: (1) the contrast between radical metaphysical dualism, metaphysical duality, and metaphysical holism/monism; (2) their respective implications on one s perspective towards the self, community, natural environment, and happiness. To accomplish this end, the course introduces the notions of deep ecology and shallow ecology and contrasting the Western perspective (more anthropocentric) with the Eastern perspective (more eco-centric) on principal virtues, the origin of virtue (the incorporeal world or the natural world), the relation between humanity and nature, and the boundary of moral circle. The course concludes on the note that to transform the social, the political, and the moral practices that undermine the spirit of a sustainable community, both now and future, a fundamental transformation of our philosophical perspective is necessary. Students are required to reevaluate their current beliefs and values (mind-body dualism, the supremacy of reason, individualism, etc.) and social practices (geriatric care, public housing, architecture, consumerism, hi-tech dependence, etc.) by giving group presentation, taking exams, and writing a term paper on the basis of their new knowledge.

2 2 Phil 419J: Philosophy East and West Spring 2006 Instructor: Dr. Ann A. Pang-White Office: STT 571 Office Hours: MWF 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., and by appointment Phone: (570) I. Course Objectives: This course is a comparative study of classical Western philosophy and Chinese philosophy. The aim of this course is to further expand and enrich students philosophical interest through a multicultural approach. For the Western perspective, the course will especially examine the views of Neo-Platonist philosopher, Plotinus, and the Medieval Christian thinker, Thomas Aquinas (Plato and Aristotle will be briefly reviewed). For the Chinese perspective, we will study Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and Neo-Confucianism. The course is particularly interested in metaphysics, philosophy of nature, ethics, and political philosophy. We will examine three major metaphysical models (dualism, holism, and metaphysical duality), and consider their implications for contemporary environmental philosophy, gender movement, mindbody relation, ethical theory, and political thought. After completion of this course, students are expected to: Demonstrate a familiarity with fundamental terminology and a correct understanding of essential concepts Be able to discuss the tenet of each theory by using the terminology that is unique to each tradition. Be able to cite from memory key passages in primary texts. Be able to think independently and make sound arguments by using primary texts. Be able to make intricate and subtle cross-cultural comparative observations. Be able to express such observation well both in writing and in oral presentation. Be able to deepen and refine one s own view of the self and its relation to humanity and to Nature. Student outcome will be measured by exams, presentation, and paper assignment. II. Required Textbooks: 1. Plotinus. The Essential Plotinus, tran. Elmer O Brien. 2 nd Edition. Indianapolis, IN: Hackett, Thomas Aquinas. On Law, Morality, and Politics., tran. Richard J. Regan. With Introduction, Notes, and Glossry, ed. by William P. Baumgarth and Richard J. Regan. 2 nd Edition. Indianapolis, IN: Hackett, Chan, Wing-Tsit. A Source Book in Chinese Philosophy. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, The following book is strongly recommended: Confucius. The Analects, tran. Raymond Dawson. New York: Oxford University Press, 1993.

3 3 III. Course Requirements and the Grading Scale: There will be three exams, one group presentation, and one term paper. Each assignment/test/presentation will count 20% (100 points) of the course grade equally. Thus, the perfect score for this course is 500 points. 1. Each Exam, Group Presentation, and Term Paper: A A B B B C C C D D 59 and below F 2. Course Grade: A A B B B C C C D D 299 and below F IV. Attendance Policy Students are expected to attend each class. Roll will be taken at the beginning of each class. Attending class and interacting with other classmates and professors in class is an important integral part of college learning. Too many absences will not only hinder good learning but may also incur penalty. Each absence beyond the sixth absence will result in a 10-points deduction of your total points for the course. Regular attendance and active participation in class discussion can bring you practical advantages. At the end of the semester, I will use the record of attendance and class participation to determine whether a borderline grade should be advanced to a higher grade. An all-show attendance record PLUS good class participation will reflect favorably on your case. V. Late Assignment and Make-up exam policy No make-up exam, presentation, or late writing assignment is allowed without the instructor's prior approval, unless some unexpected serious emergency occurs. If an UNEXPECTED EMERGENCY does occur, some form of a written validated excuse, e.g., a

4 4 validated excuse from a hospital or health center, etc., must be presented to the instructor before a make-up quiz/exam is given. MISSING EXAM OR PRESENTATION WITHOUT A VALIDATED EXCUSE WILL BE GIVEN ZERO POINTS. LATE WRITING ASSIGNMENT WILL SUFFER PENALTY. VI. Tentative Schedule for the Semester: The instructor reserves the right to make necessary changes depending on students progress and the difficulty of the materials. Date Topic Readings 1/30 Introduction: Benefits, Challenges, and Handouts Proper Methodology of Comparative Philosophy 2/1 Introduction Handouts 2/3 Plotinus: Metaphysics Enneads, VI, 9; V, 1; V, 2 [Brief Review of Plato, Aristotle, and Aquinas] 2/6 Plotinus: Metaphysics Enneads, Ibid 2/8 Plotinus: Metaphysics Enneads, Ibid 2/10 Plotinus: Ethics Enneads, I, 2; I, 3; I, 6 2/13 Thomas Aquinas: Ethics and Political Philosophy Summa Theologiae [Brief Review of Plato s Republic and Aristotle s Nichomachean Ethics and Politics] 2/15 Thomas Aquinas Summa Theologiae 2/17 Thomas Aquinas Summa Theologiae 2/20 Thomas Aquinas Summa Theologiae 2/22 Confucianism: Confucius Chan, Ch. 2, The Analects 2/24 Confucianism: Confucius Chan, Ch. 2, The Analects 2/27 First Exam (20% course grade) 3/1 Confucianism: Confucius Chan, Ch. 2, The Analects 3/3 Confucianism: Confucius Chan, Ch. 2, The Analects 3/6 Confucianism: Mencius Chan, Ch. 3, Mencius 3/8 Confucianism: Mencius Chan, Ch. 3, Mencius

5 5 Date Topic Readings 3/10 Discussion and Thematic Comparison: Confucianism and the West On the ideal person and the State On principal virtues and moral duties On property On nature and art Reason and emotion: opposition or complementary? 3/13 Group Presentation (20% course grade): Confucianism and the West 3/15 Group Presentation (20% course grade): Confucianism and the West 3/15 Evening Film and Discussion: Eat, Drink, Men, Women (Taiwan, USA) (Location: TBA, 7:30p.m. to 9:30p.m.) 3/17 Taoism: Lao Tzu Chan, Ch. 7, Tao Te Ching 3/20 Taoism: Lao Tzu Chan, Ch. 7, Tao Te Ching 3/22 Taoism: Lao Tzu Chan, Ch. 7, Tao Te Ching 3/24 Taoism: Lao Tzu Chan, Ch. 7, Tao Te Ching 3/27 Taoism: Lao Tzu Chan, Ch. 7, Tao Te Ching 3/29 Taoism: Chuang Tzu Chan, Ch. 8, Chuang Tzu 3/31 Discussion and Thematic Comparison: Taoism and the West On the first metaphysical principle: The One and The Tao On gender: roles and values On nature: Anthropocentric vs. Bio-centric Perspective (Is friendship with Nature possible?) On wealth and the human good On principal virtues 4/3 Group Presentation (20% course grade): Taoism and the West 4/5 Group Presentation (20% course grade): Taoism and the West 4/7 Second Exam (20% course grade)

6 6 Date Topic Readings 4/10 Buddhism: Early Buddhism, Essential Doctrines, Buddhist Scriptures (handouts) and the Split of Buddhism 4/12-4/18 Spring and Easter Break. No class. 4/19 Buddhism: Early Buddhism,... Buddhist Scriptures (handouts) 4/21 The Development of Buddhism in China Chan/Zen Buddhism Chan, Ch. 26, The Platform Sutra 4/24 Chan/Zen Buddhism Chan, Ch. 26, Recorded Sayings of Zen Master I-Hsuan 4/26 Chan/Zen Buddhism Ibid 4/26 Evening Film and Discussion: The Cup (Tibet) or Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter... (Korea) (Location: TBA, 7:30pm to 9:30pm) 4/28 Discussion and Thematic Comparison: Buddhism and the West What is the really real? On the self and the moral circle: self-realization, deep ecology, and environmental ethics On principal virtues and the moral ideal On wealth 5/1 Group Presentation (20% course grade): Buddhism and the West 5/3 Group Presentation (20% course grade): Buddhism and the West 5/5 Neo-Confucianism: Chu Hsi Chan, Ch. 34, Chu Hsi 5/8 Neo-Confucianism: Chu Hsi Chan, Ch. 34, Chu Hsi 5/10 Neo-Confucianism: Chu Hsi Chan, Ch. 34, Chu Hsi Term Paper Due by 5:00 p.m. 5/12 Neo-Confucianism: Chu Hsi Chan, Ch. 34, Chu Hsi Last Day of Class 5/15-19 *The Third Exam (20% course grade) will be given on the final exam date as designated by the Registrar s office.