Eastern Philosophy: The Basics PDF
Preview Eastern Philosophy: The Basics
EASTERN PHILOSOPHY THE BASICS Eastern Philosophy: The Basics is an essential introduction to major Indian and Chinese philosophies, both past and present. Exploring familiar metaphysical and ethical questions from the perspectives offered by a range of eastern philoso- phies, including Confucianism, Daoism, the main Buddhist and Hindu philo- sophical schools, as well as Jainism, this book covers key figures, issues, methods and concepts. Questions discussed include: •• What is the ‘self’? •• Is human nature inherently good or bad? •• How is the mind related to the world? •• How can you live an authentic life? •• What is the fundamental nature of reality? With timelines highlighting key figures and their contributions, a list of use- ful websites, pronunciation guides and further reading suggestions, Eastern Philosophy: The Basics provides an engaging overview of fundamental ideas in eastern philosophy. The second edition has been thoroughly revised and updated to take account of the most recent scholarship. It includes study ques- tions for each chapter, an updated bibliography, a new section on the Yijing and expanded discussion of Indian philosophies and their basis in experience. Eastern Philosophy: The Basics is valuable reading for all students of philosophy and religion, especially those seeking to understand eastern thought. Victoria S. Harrison is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Macau, China. She has extensive experience of teaching Indian and Chinese philoso- phies and has published widely in the subject areas of Philosophy and Religion. THE BASICS Available: AMERICAN PHILOSOPHY GLOBAL JUSTICE NANCY STANLICK CARL DEATH AND HUW L. WILLIAMS ANIMAL ETHICS HUMAN GENETICS (SECOND EDITION) TONY MILLIGAN RICKI LEWIS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LOGIC (SECOND EDITION) KEVIN WARWICK J.C. BEALL EVOLUTION BIOETHICS (SECOND EDITION) SHERRIE LYONS ALASTAIR CAMPBELL FOOD ETHICS EASTERN PHILOSOPHY (SECOND EDITION) RONALD SANDLER VICTORIA HARRISON FREE WILL PHENOMENOLOGY MEGHAN GRIFFITH DAN ZAHAVI METAPHYSICS ATHEISM MICHAEL RAE GRAHAM OPPY PHILOSOPHY (FIFTH EDITION) NIGEL WARBURTON Other titles in the series can be found at: https://www.routledge.com/The- Basics/book-series/B. EASTERN PHILOSOPHY THE BASICS Second Edition Victoria S. Harrison Second edition published 2019 by Routledge 2 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 4RN and by Routledge 711 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017 Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business © 2019 Victoria S. Harrison The right of Victoria S. Harrison to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilised in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers. Trademark notice: Product or corporate names may be trademarks or registered trademarks, and are used only for identification and explanation without intent to infringe. First edition published by Routledge 2013 British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data A catalog record has been requested for this book ISBN: 978-1-138-21577-1 (hbk) ISBN: 978-1-138-21578-8 (pbk) ISBN: 978-1-315-43653-1 (ebk) Typeset in Bembo by Deanta Global Publishing Services, Chennai, India For Rhett Gayle, intrepid adventurer of the mind. CONTENTS List of figures and tables xi Preface to the second edition xii Acknowledgements xiv Introduction 1 What is ‘eastern philosophy’? 1 Philosophy as a cross-cultural phenomenon 4 Philosophical questions 6 Philosophy in India 7 Philosophy in China 16 Terminology and translations 25 The philosopher’s dilemma 28 What happens next? 29 Study question 30 Further reading 30 1 Reason 34 Ignorance 34 Argument 36 Debate 39 viii CONTENTS Knowledge 42 Inference 45 Causation 48 Scepticism 50 Perspectives 52 Logic 54 Summary of Chapter 1 57 Study questions 58 Further reading 59 2 Reality 61 Origins 62 Existence 67 Monism 68 Dualism 77 Pluralism 82 Experience 85 The nature of things 86 Ultimate reality 87 Summary of Chapter 2 88 Study questions 89 Further reading 89 3 Persons 91 Self and world 91 Self in the Upani ads 95 Rebirth 97 Karma 98 Freedom 102 Individuals 103 No abiding self 105 Dependent co-arising 113 Liberation 117 Summary of Chapter 3 118 Study questions 118 Further reading 119 CONTENTS ix 4 Virtue 121 Tradition 121 The Way 125 Virtue and relationships 126 Goodness 128 Rites 129 Self-cultivation 131 Impartial care 132 Human nature 139 Altruism 145 Summary of Chapter 4 148 Study questions 148 Further reading 149 5 Authenticity 151 Egoism 152 Dao 154 Nature 157 Passivity 157 Opposites 158 Vice 160 Non-action 162 Ways of being 163 Exemplary persons 167 Legalism 170 Summary of Chapter 5 172 Study questions 173 Further reading 173 6 Mind 176 Words and things 176 Individuals and universals 179 Emptiness and insight 180 Enlightenment 188 Principles 190 The problem of the many and the one 192 Transcendence and immanence 193
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