ATS2262 · Philosophical traditions: Beyond the western canon

Overview

Philosophy has been practised across traditions for millennia. However, studies about philosophy often limit themselves to Euro-centric philosophical discourse. This unit begins by investigating the formation and consequences of such “canon,” before turning to the rich and differing philosophical traditions that have often been marginalised within the discipline. In this unit, you will cover philosophical texts within various traditions as well as reflect critically on the boundaries, methods, and assumptions of philosophy as a discipline. Topics and philosophers will vary by semester, but may include: Daoist, Confucian, Buddhist, Hindu, and African philosophical traditions, as well as Indigenous philosophies of Oceania, and Latin American and Southeast Asian decolonial thought. Questions addressed may include: What is the self? How ought we imagine our social lives if selfhood is relational and/or impermanent? How do social conditions and epistemic frameworks from varying traditions shape how we know and live?

Areas of study: Philosophy

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Examine and evaluate core philosophical ideas and arguments within a tradition;
2. Read and analyse a key philosophical text as part of a tradition;
3. Use past philosophical approaches to reflect on enduring questions and issues in the discipline;
4. Apply sophisticated argumentative skills in both written and oral formats.

Workload

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.