ASIAN 263: Introduction to Chinese Philosophy - UMich

Asian Languages and Cultures

This course will provide a survey of philosophical ideas of major figures and works of classical China, including Kongzi (Confucius), Laozi (Lao-tzu), and Sunzi (Sun-tzu). Students will deal with a wide variety of interrelated issues, such as conceptions of authority, skepticism, social equality, commitment to, or rejection of morality, etc. Some of the questions students will try to answer include:
- Is there a way of life that is best for humans or are we each unique in our needs and preferences?
- Should we try to improve the world or find contentment in all things as they are?
- What is the price of activism, and what is the price of apathy?
Throughout the semester, students will not only learn about the key debates of the classical period of Chinese philosophy, but also evaluate different arguments and discuss which views are the most convincing. Readings will consist mainly of translations of primary texts. No previous knowledge of Chinese language is necessary.