Buddhist Philosophy
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| PHIL3014 | Philosophy | 3 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- PHIL3014
- School
- Philosophy
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
The module will focus on a critical examination of core aspects of Buddhist thinking, with emphasis on some of its basic psychological, spiritual, and metaphysical conceptions, in particular, the no-self thesis, the origin and nature of suffering, enlightenment, and the doctrine of Emptiness (lack of inherent nature in all things and impermanence).
Target Students
Third year single honours and joint honours Philosophy students. Also available to Liberal Arts students in their final year who have completed either PHIL1012 or PHIL1013. Also available to exchange students.
Classes
- One 1-hour seminar each week for 10 weeks
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 10 weeks
Assessment
- 50% Coursework 1: 2000 word essay
- 50% Coursework 2: 2000 word essay
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
The aim of the module is to acquaint students with a basic understanding of the core theses and principles of Buddhist Philosophy and to be able to engage in arguments for or against core theses of canonical Buddhist philosophy.Learning Outcomes
It is expected that by the end of this module, students will have:
developed an understanding and interpretation of core concepts in Buddhist philosophy, such as atman͛, anatta͛, the four noble truths, sunyata͛, samsara͛, nirvana͛, pratityasamutpada͛ enabling them to engage in further study of Buddhist philosophy
gained an ability to assess core Buddhist arguments for central theses in Buddhism, such as anatta or sunyata.
gained an ability to undertake arguments, reflecting some independence, for or against core Buddhist doctrines.