Introductory description

In this module you will analyse and discuss texts by central figures in early Chinese philosophy such as Kongzi 孔子 (Confucius), Laozi 老子, Zhuangzi 莊子, Mozi 墨子, etc. After considering the contemporary debate about the legitimacy of Chinese philosophy, we will proceed addressing fundamental problems in early Chinese thought such as: the role of change (yi 易) in human existence and experience; the definition of human nature as good or evil and the consequences for the community; the ethical implication of the concept of dao 道; the function of rulership in social control. Through the appraisal of different schools of thought, you will delve in the rich philosophical debate that characterises Chinese society in the pre-imperial period.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Week 1
The issue of “Chinese Philosophy”: Is there such a thing as Chinese philosophy?

Week 2
The historical background for the emergence of philosophy in China. Sima Tan 司馬談 and the classification of pre-Han schools of thought.

Wee 3
Yijing 易經 (Book of Changes): yi 易 (change) in relation to yin 陰 and yang 陽.

Week 4
Kongzi 孔子 (Confucius): the Lunyu 論語 (Analects).

Week 5
A reaction to Confucianism: Mozi 墨子 and universal love.

Week 7
Daojia 道家, Daoism, and the ineffability of dao 道: the Daodejing 道德經 and Zhuangzi 莊子.

Week 8
Daojia 道家, Daoism, and the ineffability of dao 道: the Zhuangzi 莊子.

Week 9
Mengzi 孟子 (Mencius) and Xunzi 荀子 on human nature.

Week 10
Rulership and social control: Hanfeizi 韓非子 and Fajia 法家 (Legalism).

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• By the end of the module you will be able to: Demonstrate a theoretical knowledge of the specificities of Chinese philosophy.
• Demonstrate familiarity with the main theoretical differences of ancient Chinese schools of thought and communicate clearly and substantively in speech and in writing on the questions addressed in the module.
• Critically assess the key claims and arguments of the core texts, and the debates to which they have given rise.
• Organize philosophical research and engage independently in philosophical debate.

Indicative reading list

Ames, Roger T., and David L. Hall, trans. 2003. Daodejing: “Making This Life Significant”: A Philosophical Translation. New York: Ballantine Books.
Ames, Roger T., and Henry Rosemont Jr., trans. 1998. The Analects of Confucius: A Philosophical Translation. New York: Ballantine Books.
Cua, Antonio S., ed. 2003. Encyclopedia of Chinese Philosophy. New York: Routledge.
Defoort, Carine. 2001. “Is There Such a Thing as Chinese Philosophy? Arguments of an Implicit Debate.” Philosophy East and West 51 (3):393-413.
Graham, A. C., trans. 1981/1989. Chuang-tzŭ: The Seven Inner Chapters and Other Writings From the Book Chuang-tzŭ. London; Boston; Sydney; New Zealand: Unwin Paperbacks.
Graham, Angus C. 1986. Yin-Yang and the Nature of Correlative Thinking, Singapore: Institute of East Asian Philosophies.
Hall, David L., and Roger T. Ames. 1987. Thinking Through Confucius. Albany: State University of New York Press.
Henricks, Robert G. 2000. Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching: A Translation of the Startling New Documents Found at Guodian. New York: Columbia University Press.
Hutton, Eric L., trans. 2014. Xunzi: The Complete Text. Princeton: Princeton University Press.
Johnston, Ian, trans., 2010. The Mozi: A Complete Translation, New York: Columbia University Press.
Lau, D. C., trans. 2004. Mencius. Rev. ed. London: Penguin Books.
Liu, JeeLoo. 2006. An Introduction to Chinese Philosophy: From Ancient Philosophy to Chinese Buddhism. Malden, MA; Oxford: Blackwell.
Lynn, Richard John, trans. 1994a. The Classic of Changes: A New Translation of the I Ching as Interpreted by Wang Bi. New York: Columbia University Press.
Raud, Rein. 2006. “Philosophies versus Philosophy: In Defense of a Flexible Definition.” Philosophy East and West 56 (4):618-625.
Wang, Robin R. 2012. Yinyang: The Way of Heaven and Earth in Chinese Thought and Culture. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Watson, Burton, trans. 2003. Han Feizi: Basic Writings. New York: Columbia University Press.

Research element

Both assessments – video presentation and essay – require research elements.

International

This module addresses the problem of doing Philosophy in a multicultural and international context.

Subject specific skills

Through this module you will acquire
(a) The ability to understand the distinctive features and aims of the ancient Chinese philosophical tradition;
(b) The ability to recognise the different schools of thought in the ancient Chinese philosophical tradition;
(c) The ability to pursue independent philosophical research.

Transferable skills

Through this module you will acquire
(a) The ability to communicate information (verbally and in written form) to people both expert and non-expert in the field;
(b) The ability to analyse, evaluate, critique and apply complex information gathered from reading, reflection, reasoning or communication;
(c) The ability to effectively manage schedules and deadlines.