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142250 SE Philosophical Crossroads: Universals in Indian and Euro-American Traditions (2025S)

10.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 14 - Orientalistik, Afrikanistik, Indologie und Tibetologie
Continuous assessment of course work
Fr 07.03. 11:00-12:30 Seminarraum 5 ISTB UniCampus Hof 4 2C-O1-34

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 17 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Friday 14.03. 11:00 - 12:30 Seminarraum 5 ISTB UniCampus Hof 4 2C-O1-34
  • Friday 21.03. 11:00 - 12:30 Seminarraum 5 ISTB UniCampus Hof 4 2C-O1-34
  • Friday 28.03. 11:00 - 12:30 Seminarraum 5 ISTB UniCampus Hof 4 2C-O1-34
  • Friday 04.04. 11:00 - 12:30 Seminarraum 5 ISTB UniCampus Hof 4 2C-O1-34
  • Friday 11.04. 11:00 - 12:30 Seminarraum 5 ISTB UniCampus Hof 4 2C-O1-34
  • Friday 02.05. 11:00 - 12:30 Seminarraum 5 ISTB UniCampus Hof 4 2C-O1-34
  • Friday 09.05. 11:00 - 12:30 Seminarraum 5 ISTB UniCampus Hof 4 2C-O1-34
  • Friday 16.05. 11:00 - 12:30 Seminarraum 5 ISTB UniCampus Hof 4 2C-O1-34
  • Friday 23.05. 11:00 - 12:30 Seminarraum 5 ISTB UniCampus Hof 4 2C-O1-34
  • Friday 30.05. 11:00 - 12:30 Seminarraum 5 ISTB UniCampus Hof 4 2C-O1-34
  • Friday 06.06. 11:00 - 12:30 Seminarraum 5 ISTB UniCampus Hof 4 2C-O1-34
  • Friday 13.06. 11:00 - 12:30 Seminarraum 5 ISTB UniCampus Hof 4 2C-O1-34
  • Friday 20.06. 11:00 - 12:30 Seminarraum 5 ISTB UniCampus Hof 4 2C-O1-34
  • Friday 27.06. 11:00 - 12:30 Seminarraum 5 ISTB UniCampus Hof 4 2C-O1-34

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

This course explores the philosophical question of universals through a close reading of key passages from Bhartṛhari’s Jātisamuddeśa in the Vākyapadīya, focusing on their ontological and linguistic significance. These ideas are examined in dialogue with major debates on universals in Euro-American traditions, engaging directly with original texts. The course is designed for students with intermediate knowledge of Sanskrit and emphasizes textual analysis and comparative philosophy to illuminate the topic. The course aims to:
1. Deepen Understanding of Bhartṛhari’s Philosophy of Universals:
To critically examine the concept of universals as articulated in Bhartṛhari’s Jātisamuddeśa, focusing on their ontological and linguistic dimensions within the broader framework of Indian philosophy of language.
2. Foster Comparative Philosophical Dialogue:
To engage Bhartṛhari’s insights in conversation with major Euro-American debates on universals, such as those from Platonic and Aristotelian traditions, highlighting points of convergence and divergence.
3. Develop Textual and Analytical Skills in Sanskrit Philosophy:
To enhance students’ ability to analyze Sanskrit philosophical texts through close readings of original passages, while applying comparative methodologies to connect these ideas to wider philosophical discussions.

Assessment and permitted materials

Ongoing evaluation during classes (70 % of the final grade)

Final oral exam (30 % of the final grade)

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Intermediate knowledge of Sanskrit

Examination topics

• Developing the ability to accurately translate and interpret selected passages from the Jātisamuddeśa.
• Gaining a nuanced understanding of the debate on universals within both Indian and Euro-American philosophical traditions.

Reading list

Iyer, Subramania (1969). Bhartṛhari: A study of the Vākyapadīya in the light of the ancient commentaries. Pune: Deccan College.

Dravid, Raja Ram (1972). The Problem of Universals in Indian Philosophy. Delhi, Patna, Varanasi: Motilal Banarsidass.

Association in the course directory

MASK5

Last modified: Th 23.01.2025 14:25