PHL 251 - Philosophies of China

Course unit(s): 1
Meets GAR (students beginning prior to Fall 2024): Meets general academic requirements HU and DE.
In this class we shall explore the most foundational philosophical systems and concepts of early China. These philosophical theories continue to influence thought and culture throughout East Asia to this day. We will explore the political, ethical, and psychological theories of Confucius, his grandson Zi Sizi, and of his followers Meng Zi and Xun Zi. We will contrast them with the Daoist Philosophies of the Lao Zi and Zhuang Zi, which meditate on the relationship between humans and the natural world. We will also explore other philosophical schools, including the Mohists and the Legalists, who believe that humans are selfish and need to be controlled with laws and punishments.