Jain History, Philosophy & Ethics
REL ST 120/PHILOS 117; Fall 2024
TUES/THURS 2:00-3:20pm
Anteater Learning Pavilion 2200 (map here)
Professor: Brianne Donaldson / [email protected]
Description: The Jain Tradition is a small but globally-influential Indian tradition centered on nonviolence to multiple life forms, the cultivation of multiple perspectives, and mental/material practices of non-attachment. In this class, we will rely on the methods of history, philosophy, and ethnography to explore Jainism in relation to its historic and textual development, arguments with rivals about what is “real,” and its multiple ethical practices related to food, human-animal-plant relations, war, tolerance, among others. We will also consider the Jain tradition’s relevance to current planetary and social issues and students will have the opportunity to visit a Jain community in Orange County.
*All students are invited to consider taking the new UCI Certificate in Jain Studies and Nonviolence which requires this course, a second Jain studies course (regularly offered), and any third relevant course of your choice in any discipline or school, along with a short summary connecting the three courses. See details at the above link.
*All students are invited to consider taking the new UCI Certificate in Jain Studies and Nonviolence which requires this course, a second Jain studies course (regularly offered), and any third relevant course of your choice in any discipline or school, along with a short summary connecting the three courses. See details at the above link.
Undergraduate Student Learning Outcomes
- Contextualize the development of the Jain community in relation to other rival views of the subcontinent
- Identify unique terms and concepts related to Jain philosophy, ethics, and lived practice
- Connect with local Jain practitioners through a site visit
- Complete a series of reflections engaging Jain history, philosophy, and ethics
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