- Inter-faculty Studies in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
- Bachelor's degree, first cycle programme, Computer Science
- Bachelor's degree, first cycle programme, Mathematics
- Master's degree, second cycle programme, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
- Master's degree, second cycle programme, Computer Science
- Master's degree, second cycle programme, Mathematics
Buddhist Philosophy. An Introduction 3600-IN-BP-OG
Buddhism can be understood both as a religion and philosophy which developed to serve religious goals but also led to a range of important philosophical insights. Philosophy is a rational inquiry, and only this aspect of Buddhism will be discussed in the course. The course is devoted to Buddhist philosophy as it emerged around the fifth century BCE and subsequently evolved in South Asia till its disappearance after the twelfth century CE. After a brief outline of the beginnings of Buddhism and its historical background, a series of lectures will focus the most important philosophical ideas of Buddhist philosophy. Most important historical stages and prominent philosophical schools of Buddhism will be discussed: the teachings of the Buddha and early Buddhist thought, the concept on empty persons (anatta) and Buddhist realist ontology related to the Abhidharma tradition, later developments of Buddhist thought related to Mahayana and Buddhist idealism, which include three main branches: the School of the Middle Path (Madhyamaka), the School of Mind-Only (Yogacara) and the School of Epistemology and Logic. The course will focus on philosophy and will not deal with non-philosophical issues: nothing related to Buddhist religious practice etc. will be discussed. Students will be required to read short texts before every class. Presence in the class is obligatory.
Type of course
general courses
Mode
Classroom
Prerequisites (description)
Learning outcomes
After completing the course student
- knows basic concepts related to Buddhism
- knows the philosophy of Buddhism
- knows the relationship between religion, philosophy and ethics as instantiated by Buddhism
K_W03
knows and understands basic philosophical currents and concepts related to Buddhism and the role of philosophical reflection in shaping culture
K_W07
has a well-ordered knowledge of the philosophy and religion of Buddhism
K_W10
can name and characterize the basic cultural phenomena associated with Buddhism
K_W18
understands and comprehends basic methods of analysis and interpretation of various cultural products appropriate to the native traditions of South Asia as instantiated by Buddhism
K_U02
can identify sources of cultural differences in South Asian countries conditioned by religion
K_U03
uses the basic concepts of the philosophy and religion of South Asia as instantiated by Buddhism
K_U10
can identify most important intellectual issues, dilemmas, aesthetic preferences formulated within the culture of South Asia as instantiated by Buddhism
K_K01
understands the need for lifelong learning
K_K04
can appropriately define the aims and means of achieving them in terms of scientific, professional and social activity
K_K05
is aware of the cultural difference and its religious, philosophical, moral, and historical sources and its significance for the understanding of the contemporary world
K_K06
sees the need for intercultural dialogue
K_K07
is aware of the importance of South Asian culture and Buddhism in world culture
K_K09
Recognizes the positive socio-cultural values of South Asia and Buddhism, which can be used for personal development and effective intercultural communication
Assessment criteria
(1) regular attendance (one unexcused absence is admitted),
(2) reading the assigned portions of texts,
(3) entry quizzes which check whether the participant has read the assgined portion of texts,
(4) final written essay in English
Practical placement
none
Bibliography
PRIMARY TEXT:
Siderits, Mark (2007) Buddhism as Philosophy. An Introduction. Aldershot: Ashgate / Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Company.
ADDITIONAL READINGS:
Carpenter, Amber D. (2014) Indian Buddhist Philosophy. Metaphysics as Ethics. London–New York: Routledge.
Conze, Edward (1983) Buddhist Thought in India. Three Phases of Buddhist Philosophy. Corrected Edition. London: George Allen & Unwin.
Emmanuel, Steven M. (ed.) (2013) A Companion to Buddhist Philosophy. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.
Warder, A.K. (2000) Indian Buddhism. Third Revised Edition. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass.
Williams, Paul (2009) Mahayana Buddhism. The Doctrinal Foundations. Second edition. London–New York: Routledge.
Additional information
Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes:
- Inter-faculty Studies in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
- Bachelor's degree, first cycle programme, Computer Science
- Bachelor's degree, first cycle programme, Mathematics
- Master's degree, second cycle programme, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
- Master's degree, second cycle programme, Computer Science
- Master's degree, second cycle programme, Mathematics
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: