This unit introduces the student to some central ideas in Eastern traditions such as Buddhism, examining these ideas from a Western philosophical perspective. Topics covered include the nature of reality, consciousness, the self, suffering and happiness, karma, free will, the scope of knowledge, ethics and the ultimate goal of human existence. Classical and contemporary sources are used. Some of these topics are approached with an eye to seeking convergence with ideas in Western philosophy, for example, in Hume's idea that there is no self, or in the sort of ethical framework that Buddhism adopts. -- Course Website
Instructor: Assistant Professor Miri Albahari
Prerequisites: any Level 2 Philosophy unit