Department of Religions and Cultures and Philosophy
Classical Indian Philosophy
PHIL 3706 -FAO1
2008
Who really knows about this world of ours
And who "here" can declare
when and from what it was created ?
The gods arose along with its creation;
hence, neither the gods nor we know from whence it has arisen.Rg Veda, 10.1129.6
_________________________________________________________
INSTRUCTOR : W. A. Borody
TIME: Thursdays, 8:30-11::30 AM
PLACE : A143
OFFICE: H309
PHONE: University Extension: 4562
EMAIL: wayneb@nipissingu.ca
Introduction
This course will provide the student with an overview of the essentials of early Indian Philosophy: the Vedic, Yogic, Hindu, Buddhist and Materialist schools of thought. We will begin with the earliest text of the Indian tradition, the Ŗg Veda, and then turn to a discussion of the four traditionally recognized purusārthas, "goals of life:" dharma, socio-political well-being; artha, economic well-being; kāma, sexual and creative well-being; and, finally, mokşa, spiritual or “inner” well-being.. As far as is possible, this course will attempt to situate the philosophies of India within the cultural contexts in which they evolved.
Required Books
Manu , Laws of Manu , trans. Wendy Doniger (Penguin)
Vātsyāyana , The Complete Kāma Sūtra (Inner Traditions International)
Buddhist Suttas (trans. T. W. Rhys Davids (Inner Traditions International)
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: A New Translation (George Feurerstein)
Requirements for the Course
| Participation [10 %] | |
| Test [20%] | Oct. 9, 2008 |
| Essay (approx. 10-12 typed pages) [20%] | Nov.6, 2008 |
| End of Term Exam [50 %] | Nov.27, 2008 |