Courses

Studying both Eastern and Western philosophies enriches our understanding of humanity's diverse intellectual heritage. It encourages the cultivation of critical thinking skills and equips us with invaluable insights to navigate our intricate, interconnected world. Surprisingly, these traditions are seldom examined together. This course offers an engaging introductory exploration of these diverse traditions, with logic as our guiding compass.

Through dynamic discussions and engaging readings, the course will explore the profound role of logic in shaping both philosophical traditions. We’ll first examine the Eastern philosophical systems of logic from the Nyāya, Vaisheshika, and Buddhist schools, which engage with fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and ethics. Next, we'll venture into the Western philosophical terrain inhabited by the Stoics and Aristotle, characterized by different but unwavering emphases on reason and the pursuit of human well-being. Finally, we'll engage in a comparative analysis, bridging the Eastern and Western worlds, from Confucianism to Aristotle, from Taoism to Seneca’s Stoics. Students will gain a foundational understanding of key figures, their philosophies, and how logic shapes their reasoning. This comparison will reveal the diverse approaches to critical thinking and the intricate logical structures underpinning beliefs across cultures. Students will leave the course with a broad awareness of the shared wisdom and unique insights of both Eastern and Western thought.