Introduction to World Philosophies (2025/2026: periode 1)

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Cursusdoel

After completing this course students are able to:
  1. students have developed analytic skills in close reading of primary texts from different philosophical traditions: they are able to single out fundamental assumptions, definitions of words, different types of arguments offered to reach a certain conclusion or to reject a conclusion given by other philosophers. (Assessment: online discussion, class discussion, papers, final assignment)
  2. students are able to articulate, orally and in writing, their understanding of extracts from primary texts. (Assessment: online discussion, class discussion, papers, final assignment, dialogues)
  3. students are able to recognize the most important philosophical questions, especially ‘what is real?’, ‘what is a human being?’, ‘what can I know?’ and ‘what should I do?’; to understand what these questions mean and how philosophers from the Chinese, Indian, Japanese and Western philosophical traditions answered them. (Assessment: online discussion, class discussion, final assignment, dialogues)
  4. students are familiar with some developments of fundamental answers within the selected traditions. (Assessment: online discussion, class discussion, papers, final assignment)
  5. students might use the skills learned by analyzing philosophical text in other areas of their studies and their lives. The philosophical training —recognizing definitions, drawing distinctions between what might look the same (e.g. two definitions of the word ‘freedom’), recognizing hidden assumptions, coupled with the acquaintance with many different worldviews— might make them become more aware thinkers and citizens, capable of transferring clarity and capacity to look at an issue from different frameworks to whatever endeavor they will embark on (online and class discussion, reflections)
Relationship between assessment and learning goals:
  • Description of assignment Weight Refers to which course aim?
    1. Paper 1
    2. Paper 2
    3. Final assignment
    4. Discussion board etc (reflections, dialogues, peer feedback)    		 25%
    25%
    25%
    25%
    		 1,2,4
    1,2,4
    1,2,3,4
    1,2,3,4,5

Vakinhoudelijk

This course introduces students to philosophical texts from various traditions (South Asian, East Asian, African, and Western) and time periods (ancient to contemporary). We embrace a humble attitude that values diversity and epistemic friction, recognizing them as catalysts for growth, both as individuals and as a learning community.
Studying philosophy exposes us to different frameworks, value systems, and arguments. We understand that no single framework or thinker is central; every knower is situated, necessitating multiple viewpoints to comprehend reality and refine our own perspectives.
Engaging with philosophy entails developing analytic skills through close reading of primary texts. This involves identifying underlying assumptions, sets of values, arguments and definitions that shape different philosophers' responses to fundamental questions such as 'what is real?', ‘who are we?', 'what counts as knowledge?', and 'how should we act?'. Furthermore, we cultivate clear writing and engage in constructive dialogue on these topics.
Format
Students read the assigned primary texts (reader) and pages from the book (Cooper), prior to each class meeting. They answer questions about them on the Discussion Board. Meetings consist of interactive lectures in which we discuss the main themes of the readings. Students are encouraged to compare different texts to get a deeper insight on certain philosophical themes and topics. Assignments include the careful reading and study of the course material, active participation in discussions on the Discussion Board and in class, writing papers, giving feedback on each other’s papers’ drafts, and carrying out of philosophical dialogues.

Werkvormen

UCU level 1HUM course

Toetsing

Discussion boards etc

Verplicht | Weging 25% | ECTS 1,88

Paper 1

Verplicht | Weging 25% | ECTS 1,88

Paper 2

Verplicht | Weging 25% | ECTS 1,88

*midterm FEEDBACK*

Niet verplicht

Final assignment

Verplicht | Weging 25% | ECTS 1,88

Ingangseisen en voorkennis

Ingangseisen

Er is geen informatie over verplichte ingangseisen bekend.

Voorkennis

Er is geen informatie over benodigde voorkennis bekend.

Voertalen

  • Engels

Cursusmomenten

Gerelateerde studies

Tentamens

Er is geen tentamenrooster beschikbaar voor deze cursus

Verplicht materiaal

  • BOEK
    David E. Cooper, World Philosophies: An Historical Introduction. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell 2002; 2nd edition, ISBN-10: 0631232613, ISBN-13: 978-0631232612
  • READER
    reader, made available on Blackboard

Aanbevolen materiaal

Er is geen informatie over de aanbevolen literatuur bekend

Coördinator

dr. C. Robbiano c.robbiano@uu.nl

Docent

Inschrijving

Let op: deze cursus is niet toegankelijk voor studenten van andere faculteiten, bijvakkers mogen zich dus niet inschrijven.

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