27306 - Philosophies of India and Eastern Asia (1) (M-Z)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course students will have acquired a fundamental understanding of South and East Asian philosophical thought, including through direct engagement with primary texts. They will be able to articulate this knowledge effectively, in both oral and written forms, employing the appropriate terminology and contextualising it historically, with reference to relevant secondary sources.

Course contents

Introduction:

1. Comparative philosophy and philosophical encounters between Europe and India. 2. Vedic premises and their rejection. 3. Exact sciences in classical India. 4. An ethical path between cultures (for the knowledge of ethical doctrines in South and East Asia). With commented readings of primary texts.

Part One. Logical-epistemological and metaphysical themes addressed by the main South Asian philosophical schools of the classical and post-classical period. With commented readings of primary texts.

Part Two. The nature of consciousness and identity according to the main South Asian philosophical schools of the classical and post-classical period. Philosophical descriptions of aesthetic experience. Soteriological perspectives. With commented readings of primary texts.

Readings/Bibliography

Sferra, F. (a cura di), Filosofie dell'India, Roma. Carocci, 2018 (for the examination only the reading of chapters 1, 9 and 10 is required).

- Bori, P.C. / Marchignoli, S., Per un percorso etico tra culture, Roma 2004 (for the examination only the reading of Chinese and Indian texts is required).

- Marchignoli, S., L'India filosofica: un percorso tra temi e problemi del pensiero indiano, Bologna 2005 (a copy is always available at the library Giorgio R. Franci via Zamboni 33; the text can be bought, even as an electronic book, from the university service of the publisher Bonomo).

- Torella, R., Il pensiero dell'India. Un'introduzione, Roma 2008 (for the examination only the chapters 8, 9 and 10 are required)

Suggested readings:

- Eltschinger, V., Ratié, I., Che cos'è la filosofia indiana?, Torino: Einaudi, 2023.
- Gnoli, R., L’estetica indiana. La scuola di Abhinavagupta. Roma: Carocci, 2023.
- Anrò, A. Algoritmi sanscriti. La matematica indiana nel medioevo europeo. Pisa: Pacini Editore, 2024.

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons; commented reading of primary texts in traslation

Assessment methods

Oral exam.

The exam consists of 2 parts (A+B):

A) A short presentation (approx. 5 minutes) by the candidate on a topic of their choice, inspired by:

• the materials listed in the "Texts/Bibliography" section (recommended option for non-attending students);

• the topics discussed during the lectures.

In-depth studies and personal pathways are welcome, provided they are solidly anchored in the textual sources or the provided materials.

B) A discussion, with open questions, on the course topics not addressed during the presentation described in point A.

In addition to the solidity of preparation (e.g., historical-philological information), the evaluation takes into account analytical and synthesis skills, clarity of exposition, and the ability to use appropriate terminology.

In particular, achieving an organic vision of the topics covered in the course, combined with the capacity for critical analysis and the use of precise and appropriate language, will be highly valued in the final grade.

Conversely, a good/acceptable but non-exhaustive knowledge of the subject matter, limited synthesis and analytical skills, and the use of acceptable but not always precise language, will result in grades ranging from a bare pass to fair.

Lastly, poor knowledge of the course topics, lack of preparation in developing analysis and synthesis, the use of imprecise terminology, and lack of familiarity with the course bibliography will lead to failing the exam.

 

It is possible to take the exam 15 days after the end of the course.

Exam sessions are usually scheduled in the months of June, July, September, October, and May.

 

Students with SLD (Specific Learning Disabilities) or temporary/permanent disabilities:

It is highly recommended to contact the relevant University office in a timely manner (). This office will suggest any necessary accommodations to the students concerned. These accommodations must nonetheless be submitted for the professor's approval at least 15 days in advance; the professor will assess their appropriateness also in relation to the course's learning objectives.

Teaching tools

Supplementary material available on Virtuale and Panopto

Office hours

See the website of Alberto Anrò