PHIL 202

PHIL 202: Indian Philosophy
Instructor: Neil Dalal

Course Description

Have you ever wondered what kind of insights and valuable ideas non-European philosophers have to offer us? Indian philosophies such as Yoga, Buddhism, and Vedanta parallel their Western counterparts in several familiar ways, yet formulated fascinatingly different philosophical perspectives. These include theories of self-identity, mind and consciousness, non-dual metaphysics, and the ethics of non-violence and compassion. Perhaps most compelling are Indian approaches to happiness and wellbeing which are often inextricably tied to meditation and other contemplative philosophical methods that probe the nature of our experience. We will address such topics in this introduction to Indian philosophy, focusing on the ancient and classical periods. Throughout the course we will also critically assess the concepts and arguments we encounter, and consider the philosophical controversies between these Indian traditions. 

Course Requirements and Grade Distribution:

• Participation and Attendance: 10%
• Exam I: 25%
• Response Paper: 30%
• Final Research Paper (approximately 10-12 pages): 35%

Watch this video to learn more about this course.