Chinese philosophy
an emphasis on the philosophical concepts that have been developed over this period.
This course has now started
Course Code: HP100
Duration: 11 sessions (over 12 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
An introduction to the key ideas, schools and thinkers in Chinese philosophy from ancient to modern times with
an emphasis on the philosophical concepts that have been developed over this period.
What will we cover?
The main ‘schools’ and their differences: Confucian, Mohist, Daoist, Yin-Yang, Names, Legalist, Chan & Chinese
Buddhism with some consideration also of ‘Maoism’ - the emphasis will, however, be on the key philosophical
concepts associated with these schools.
The key thinkers associated with the schools, for example: Confucius, Mencius, Mo Tzu, Lao Tzu, Chuang Tzu,
Hui Shih, Han Fei Tzu, Lin ji.
The broader significance of Chinese philosophy.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Explain simply some of the key ideas in Chinese philosophy with reference to several thinkers.
Evaluate simply the ongoing significance of Chinese philosophical thought.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an introductory course that assumes no specific philosophical learning or ability other than an interest in
thinking philosophically. A willingness to engage in thinking-through and discussing ideas will be of benefit –
some perseverance in reading texts provided provided may be required.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will run, in the main, in a ‘seminar’ format with brief tutor presentations followed by Q&A and open
discussion. There may be some small-group formats for discussion based on topics arising from the short
readings. All slides used will be available online for later reference.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No other costs. Participants may wish to take notes with pen & paper, laptop or tablet according to their
preference.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You might be interested in HP112 Japanese philosophy.
Please check our website - www.citylit.ac.uk - to see the full range of philosophy courses on offer.
From reading Philosophy at a young age to the formal study of Cognitive Science, Philosophy & Psychology at the Universities of London and Sussex - after a prior career in video-arts - John Goff has been presenting philosophy courses to adults since the early 2000s. He uses a cross-disciplinary, seminar-based approach in his courses, drawing on Philosophy, Psychology and the wider Humanities & Social Sciences with an emphasis on the intersection of contemporary and classical European and Asian philosophical thought. He is the author of several works of philosophical fiction concerning artificial minds and organisms and alternative-human worlds including the novel 'The Last Days of the Most Hidden Man' and the novellas 'Eidopolis', 'Agents of Erasure', 'Jupiter|Saturn' and 'Sleep|Nothing|Asylum'. His academic writings can be found on his academia.edu page at 'https://independentscholar.academia.edu/JohnGoff'.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
