Fundamentals of Chinese Philosophy

Course Title: Fundamentals of Chinese Philosophy


Course Description

This course introduces students to the foundational concepts, thinkers, and texts in Chinese philosophy. It explores early classical traditions such as Confucianism, Daoism, and Mohism, as well as later developments including Neo-Confucianism and Chan Buddhism. Emphasis will be placed on primary sources and how these traditions address questions of ethics, society, metaphysics, and self-cultivation.


Course Objectives

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

  • Understand the key figures and movements in early and classical Chinese philosophy.
  • Analyze primary philosophical texts in translation.
  • Compare different schools' approaches to ethics, governance, and metaphysics.
  • Reflect on how Chinese philosophy addresses enduring human concerns.


Course Outline


Module 1: Introduction to Chinese Philosophy

  • What is philosophy in the Chinese context?
  • Distinctions between Western and Chinese thought
  • The role of Heaven (夊), Earth (地), and Humanity (äşş)
  • Key concepts: Dao (道), Qi (ć°Ł), Li (理)

Suggested Readings:

  • Fung Yu-lan, A Short History of Chinese Philosophy, Ch. 1–2
  • Chad Hansen, A Daoist Theory of Chinese Thought, Introduction


Module 2: Confucius and the Analects

  • Life and times of Confucius (Kongzi)
  • Key virtues: Ren (䝁), Li (猎), Yi (瞊)
  • The role of the Junzi (君子)
  • Ethics and social harmony

Primary Text: The Analects of Confucius


Module 3: Competing Philosophies in the Warring States Period

  • Mozi and Mohism: Universal love (兼愛), utilitarian ethics
  • Mencius: Human nature is good (性善)
  • Xunzi: Human nature is bad (性惡)

Primary Texts: Selections from Mozi, Mencius, Xunzi


Module 4: Daoism – Laozi and Zhuangzi

  • The Dao as ineffable
  • Wu wei (無為): Non-action
  • Relativity of values and knowledge
  • Mysticism and naturalism

Primary Texts: Dao De Jing, Zhuangzi


Module 5: Legalism and Early Chinese Statecraft

  • Han Feizi and the art of ruling
  • Contrast with Confucian and Daoist ethics
  • Law, punishment, and authority

Primary Text: Han Feizi


Module 6: Buddhism in China

  • Introduction to Mahayana and its sinicization
  • Emptiness (犺), Karma, Rebirth
  • Chan (Zen) Buddhism: Sudden enlightenment, anti-textualism

Primary Texts: Platform Sutra of Huineng, selected Chan koans


Module 7: Neo-Confucianism and the Synthesis of Thought

  • Zhu Xi and the School of Principle (理學)
  • Wang Yangming and the School of Mind (心學)
  • Integration of Buddhist and Daoist ideas

Readings: Selections from Zhu Xi and Wang Yangming


Module 8: Contemporary Reflections

  • Chinese philosophy and modernity
  • Comparative philosophy: Dialogues with the West
  • Revival of Confucian ethics in modern China


Assessment Suggestions

  • Weekly reflection papers on primary texts
  • Midterm essay comparing two schools
  • Final project (e.g., presentation, philosophical dialogue, or paper)