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 philosophies, including Confucianism, Daoism, the main Buddhist and Hindu philosophical 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 useful 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 questions 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.

Table of Contents

List of figures and tables

Preface to the second edition

Acknowledgements

　

Introduction

▪ What is ‘eastern philosophy’?

▪ Philosophy as a cross-cultural phenomenon

▪ Philosophical questions

▪ Philosophy in India

▪ Philosophy in China

▪ Terminology and translations

▪ The philosopher’s dilemma

▪ What happens next?

▪ Study question

▪ References and further reading

Chapter 1: Reason

▪ Ignorance

▪ Argument

▪ Debate

▪ Knowledge

▪ Inference

▪ Causation

▪ Scepticism

▪ Perspectives

▪ Logic

▪ Summary of Chapter 1

▪ Study questions

▪ References and further reading

Chapter 2: Reality

▪ Origins

▪ Existence

▪ Monism

▪ Dualism

▪ Pluralism

▪ Experience

▪ The nature of things

▪ Ultimate reality

▪ Summary of Chapter 2

▪ Study questions

▪ References and further reading

Chapter 3: Persons

▪ Self and world

▪ Self in the Upaniṣads

▪ Rebirth

▪ Karma

▪ Freedom

▪ Individuals

▪ No abiding self

▪ Dependent co-arising

▪ Liberation

▪ Summary of Chapter 3

▪ Study questions

▪ References and further reading

Chapter 4: Virtue

▪ Tradition

▪ The Way

▪ Virtue and relationships

▪ Goodness

▪ Rites

▪ Self-cultivation

▪ Impartial care

▪ Human nature

▪ Altruism

▪ Summary of Chapter 4

▪ Study questions

▪ References and further reading

Chapter 5: Authenticity

▪ Egoism

▪ Dao

▪ Nature

▪ Passivity

▪ Opposites

▪ Vice

▪ Non-action

▪ Ways of being

▪ Exemplary persons

▪ Legalism

▪ Summary of Chapter 5

▪ Study questions

▪ References and further reading

Chapter 6: Mind

▪ Words and things

▪ Individuals and universals

▪ Emptiness and insight

▪ Enlightenment

▪ Principles

▪ The problem of the many and the one

▪ Transcendence and immanence

▪ Introspection

▪ Universal Mind

▪ Sageliness

▪ Summary of Chapter 6

▪ Study questions

▪ References and further reading

Conclusion

▪ Unexplored terrain

▪ Global philosophy

▪ References and further reading

Appendix 1: Timelines

Appendix 2: Websites

Appendix 3: Pronunciation

Appendix 4: Tones for key Chinese terms and names

General Bibliography

Index