PHL 401 Philosophy and Religion of Japan
Instructor: Dr. Z. Ding
Office: 1-328
Phone: (909)869-4660
FAX: (909)869-4434
EMAIL:
I. Catalog Description
Traditional ways of thought in Japan. Modifications in Shinto from its beginnings through the impacts of Buddhism and Confucianism; its reemergence in the 19th century. Twentieth-century developments and the emergence of the "new religions." 4 lecture-problem solving.
II. Required Background or Experience
None
III. Expected Outcomes
1.Strengthen students' background in the history of Japanese philosophical and religious traditions and introduce students to intellectual approaches to Japanese philosophical and religious questions.
2.Help students to conduct a critical inquiry into several of the more central concepts and problems specific and common to most (if not all) of Japanese religious thoughts,ontology, epistemology,and moral, social and political philosophy.
3.Develop students' philosophical reading, writing, discussing and reasoning skills.
IV. Text and Readings
Earhart, H. Byron, Japanese Religion:Unity and diversity, Wadsworth Publishing Company, 1982
Furukawa, Yoshitaka, Roots of the Japanese Mind, Japan, 1979
Hajime, Nakamura, A History of the Development of Japanese Thought, Kokusai Bunka Shinkokai, Tokyo, 1969
Piovesana, Gino K., S.J., Recent Japanese Philosophical Thought, Enderie Bookstore, 1963
V. Minimum Student Materials
Textbook(s), handouts, library card, and standard writing materials.
VI. Minimum College Facilities
No special facilities required
VII. Course Outline
General Introduction
Section I: Japanese Buddhism
1. Indian influence with Chinese coloration
2. The Shingon and Tendai sects
3. The Pure Land, Nichiren and Zen sects
4. Later development of Buddhism
5. Contemporary Buddhism
Section II: Japanese Confucianism and Taoism
1. Confucian influence on Japanese social development
2. Taoist influence on Japanese spirituality
3. Neo-Confucianism
Section III: Shinto
1. The formation of Shinto
2. The development of Shinto
3. Restoration Shinto
4. Nationalistic Shinto and militarism
5. Contemporary Shinto
Section IV: Western religious and philosophical influence
1. The appearance of Christianity in Japan
2. The Westernization of Japan
3. Rationalism, idealism and Neo-Kantianism
4. Empiricism, materialism, positivism, pragmatism and individualism
5. Hegelianism, marxism, existentialism and world philosophy
6. Western philosophy versus traditional culture
7. Contemporary philosophical trends
Section V: Important Japanese philosophers
1. Nishida Kitaro
2. Hatano Seiichi
3. Watsuji Tetsuro
4. Tanabe Hajime
VIII. Instructional Methods
Students will learn by studying the reading materials, and by participating in class discussions of the readings and issues. The instructor will guide students through the readings, introduce background material, identify major points and issues, clarify key ideas and distinctions, and focus class discussion on particular issues relevant to the films and essays covered. Students will refine and deepen their understanding of the course materials by writing paper on the topics and readings covered.
IX. Evaluation of Outcomes
1.One term paper.
2.One oral speech.
3.Being group discussion leader and representative speaker once.
4.Class participation and discussion.