Applied Indian Philosophy (Jainism)
PHIL 117
Fall 2020
Tues/Thurs 5:00-6:20pm
Professor: Brianne Donaldson
Email: [email protected]
Zoom Link: Please login with your UCI Zoom account:
DESCRIPTION: Applied Indian Philosophy brings together ancient metaphysics with contemporary application. We will primarily examine Jainism, with some secondary reference to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sikhism. Jainism emerged as a reforming philosophy in the Ganges plain of India, approximately 5th c. BCE. Its expansive account of diverse and autonomous life forms, its view of karmic responsibility, and its central emphasis of nonviolence provides an alternate metaphysical foundation from which to evaluate and address modern conflicts. The first half of the class will introduce history and philosophy of Jainism among other Indian traditions; the second half will explore applications (and limits) of Jain philosophy to issues such as:
Email: [email protected]
Zoom Link: Please login with your UCI Zoom account:
- https://uci.zoom.us/j/96510286736?pwd=TkNBK1I3OEEzenJWZDJCakVGcko2UT09
- Passcode: asianphil
DESCRIPTION: Applied Indian Philosophy brings together ancient metaphysics with contemporary application. We will primarily examine Jainism, with some secondary reference to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sikhism. Jainism emerged as a reforming philosophy in the Ganges plain of India, approximately 5th c. BCE. Its expansive account of diverse and autonomous life forms, its view of karmic responsibility, and its central emphasis of nonviolence provides an alternate metaphysical foundation from which to evaluate and address modern conflicts. The first half of the class will introduce history and philosophy of Jainism among other Indian traditions; the second half will explore applications (and limits) of Jain philosophy to issues such as:
- tolerance and social pluralism
- war and militarism
- ecology, climate change, and animals
- gender equity
- right-to-die (ability to control one's own death)
Student Learning Objectives:
1. Contextualize the development of the Jain community in relation to other rival views of the subcontinent
2. Identify unique terms and concepts in Jain philosophy and ethics.
3. Analyze aspects of Jain responses to a contemporary ethical issue through a multi-part quarter-long project.
4. Practice research skills needed for advanced study in multi-cultural philosophies and religions.
1. Contextualize the development of the Jain community in relation to other rival views of the subcontinent
2. Identify unique terms and concepts in Jain philosophy and ethics.
3. Analyze aspects of Jain responses to a contemporary ethical issue through a multi-part quarter-long project.
4. Practice research skills needed for advanced study in multi-cultural philosophies and religions.
Opening Recitation
परस्परोपग्रहो जीवानाम्
Parasparopagraho jīvānām
“The function of living beings is to support one another.”
–Tattvārtha-sūtra (2nd–5th c. CE) 5.21
परस्परोपग्रहो जीवानाम्
Parasparopagraho jīvānām
“The function of living beings is to support one another.”
–Tattvārtha-sūtra (2nd–5th c. CE) 5.21