FALL 2013
M 5:30-8:00; W ARD 103
Professor Jin Y. Park
Department of Philosophy and Religion Tel: (202)885-2919
Office: Battelle-Tompkins #115 Office Hours: jypark@american.edu
M. 2:30-3:30; Th. 2:30-5:30
What would it be like to think about philosophy in the tradition in which the genre philosophy itself does not exist? The course explores philosophy at the dawn of the modern time in East Asia. In three sections, the course discusses: (1) meaning of the genre, philosophy, religion, and comparative philosophy; (2) gender and narrative identity; (3) philosophy and its social responsibility.
1. Through this course, students will familiarize themselves with the different concepts of philosophy and religion in the context of East Asia and how such differences influence one’s way of understanding historical and social reality as well as philosophical reflection. In addition to the objectives specific to this course students will learn the following:
2. General philosophical literacy: Students should demonstrate that they are able to successfully navigate the historical and disciplinary branches of philosophy in modern East Asia.
2. Argumentation Skills: Students should display acuity and expertise in logical reasoning and philosophical analysis.
3. Research Skills: Students should demonstrate their ability to effectively navigate both the library and on-line research tools.
4. Communication Skills: Students should display their ability to communicate complex arguments and concepts effectively, both orally and in writing.
Required Texts (note that all names are in Asian style: family names come before the given names)
1.
Nishida Kitaro, An Inquiry into the Good , Yale UP, 1990.
2.
Sun Yat-Sen. The Three Principles of the People- San Min Chu I (Abridged, paperback). Soul Care
Publishing, 2011.
3.
Tanabe Hajime, Philosophy as Metanoetics , U of California Press, 1986.
4.
More readings on Blackboard
Course Requirements:
1. Regular attendance: is required for this course. First two unexcused absences will cost 2 points/ each out of 100 points. From the third absence, each unexcused absence will lower one letter grade. Serious lateness (more than 10 minutes) and early retirement from the class will also be counted as absence.
2. Response “why” questions : students are required to post six why questions (two questions for each section) on the Discussion Board of Blackboard.
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Based on the reading assignments, students pose a question “why” and offer a brief explanation of the importance and relevance of the question in the context of the reading assignments and the discussions in our course. Include the following components in your “why” question posting:
(1) Why questions: are expected to be critical and thought-provoking.
(2) Observation: includes your understanding of the text and your comments on the reading;
(3) Connection: includes any connections of the current reading with the topics of the section, with the previous readings, discussions in class, or with other philosophical traditions;
The questions should be posted by 3:00 pm of Monday when the readings are due.
3. Two papers
1) Paper I: Length: 7 pages for undergraduates and 10 pages for graduate students.
2) Final papers: Length: 10 pages for the undergraduates and 15 pages for graduate students.
3) Format: times new roman, 12 fonts; 1 inch margins in all four sides; for citations, use footnotes.
4. Presentation:
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Each student will do one presentation. Students in charge of the day’s presentation will provide a handout and lead discussion for 50 minutes.
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It is obligatory to come to see me for a preparation for the presentation. The optimal time for this meeting will be during my Thursday office hours before the scheduled Monday presentation.
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Graduate students may not pair up with other graduate students; you should be either a solo presenter or pair up with an undergraduate student.
5. Final exam: take-home
Final Grade:
Final grade will be generated based on the following:
Attendance and class participation: 10 Presentation: 10 Six why questions: 25
Short paper: 20 Final paper: 25 Final Exam: 10
Statement on Academic Integrity
Standards of academic conduct are set forth in the University’s Academic Integrity Code. By registering, you have acknowledged your awareness of the Academic Integrity Code, and you are obliged to become familiar with your rights and responsibilities as defined by the Code. Violations of the Academic Integrity
Code will not be treated lightly, and disciplinary actions will be taken should such violations occur.
Please see me if you have any questions about the academic violations described in the Code in general or as they relate to particular requirements for this course. The code is available online at http://www.american.edu/academics/integrity/index.htm
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Policy on Mobile Phones and the Use of Laptop Computers
Your mobile phone should be turned off before class begins. Any activities related to the mobile phone including text-messaging are strictly prohibited during the class time. If you use a laptop during the class time, its use should be strictly limited to note-taking. No-emailing or web-surfing should be conducted during class time. Violations of the above policy on mobile phones and the use of laptop computers will affect your final grade (one letter grade down for each violation).
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Reading schedule and topics
1. Imagining the Genre: Religion, Philosophy, and Comparative Philosophy
What is philosophy? What is religion? How does philosophy create its own identity? What happens when a “philosophy” enters into the world and meets different “philosophies”?
Aug 26 Introduction: Philosophy and modernity in East Asia:
Reading: Inoue Enry ō (Blackboard; in class reading)
Sep 2: Labor day—no classes—
Sept 9: Nishida Kitarō, An Inquiry into the Good (1911), Part 1, Pure Experience (pp. 1-34)
Supplementary reading: Dōgen, “Genjok ōa n” (Blackboard)
Sept 16: Nishida , An Inquiry into the Good , pp. 37-(102/121)
Sept 23: Lecture by Pŏmnyun sunim: “A Socially Engaged Buddhist's Dharma Dialogue: Social
engagement and Buddhist Self-cultivation in Harmony"
500 report on the talk due by Sept 30, 3:00 pm (Blackboard)
Delayed Reading: Nishida, pp. 102-121
Sept 30: Nishida: An Inquiry into the Good (pp.122-176)
Oct 2: Short paper due; 5:00 pm (Blackboard)
2. Self, Gender and Narrative Identity
This section discusses how gender, modernity, and traditional Buddhist thoughts work together in the formation of the identity and philosophy of these two “New Women” in East Asia.
Oct 7: Hiratsuka Raicho, selection from In the Beginning Woman Was the Sun (“Seitō” [Bluestockings])
and other readings
Oct 14: Kim Iryŏp Reflections of a Zen Buddhist Nun (1960, Blackboard)
Oct 21: Kim Iryŏp: Reflections of a Zen Buddhist Nun : Narrative Identity (Blackboard)
Oct 28: Kim Iryŏp: Reflections of a Zen Buddhist Nun : Kim Iryŏp and philosophy of religion (Blackboard)
3. Philosophy and Responsibility
Is it possible for philosophy to take responsibilities for historical reality? If so, what would be the philosophy’s way to take responsibility?
Nov 4: Sun Yat-Zen , The Three Principles of the People- San Min Chu I
Nov 11: Tanabe Hajime, Philosophy as Metanoetics (Preface, Chap 1)
Nov 18: Tanabe, Philosophy as Metanoetics (Chap 2-3)
Nov 25: Tanabe, Philosophy as Metanoetics (Chap 4-6)
Dec 2: Wrap-up discussion and Paper presentation
Final paper due; 5:00 pm (Blackboard)
Dec 9: Take home final due 5:00 pm (Blackboard)
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Extra Credit Opportunity
Attend the lecture and submit your report on the talks within two weeks after the talk in 700-1000 words. (Blackboard). You will accrue extra 2 points for the report.
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Oct 25, (Fri), 1:00-6:00: McDowell Conference on “Philosophy and Climate Change”
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