Ideengeschichte Chinas

This is an introductory seminar to China’s intellectual traditions, primarily Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism. While all three traditions were born in the “Axial Age” of human civilization, Confucianism and Daoism grew out of the political chaotic and intellectually stimulating Eastern Zhou period (770 – 256 BCE), while Buddhism was introduced to China around the beginning of the Christian era. How do these traditions answer the fundamental questions defining human life—our relations to nature, to family and society, and to political authority—differently? How did they transform historically, often through mutual influence? How did they converge? What is their relevance today? This class will challenge and test your belief system and encourage you to reflect upon your dearest instincts.