PHIL 230 - Philosophy Across Cultures

Credits: (3)
College Curriculum: COLL 200
Domain (Anchored): ALV
Domain (Reaching Out): CSI

What is philosophy? What is it that makes a work philosophical rather than, say, religious or literary? In this course we will adopt a cross-cultural approach to answering these questions, analyzing and comparing a diverse range of philosophical texts from around the globe. By examining the different kinds of philosophical questions diverse thinkers ask, and the variety of methods they take to answer them, we will arrive at a better understanding of what philosophy is globally. As we engage with these diverse perspectives in philosophy we will also reflect on what constitutes good cross-cultural methodology. We will address the challenges that racism and colonialism present for engaging in philosophy across cultural boundaries. We will also reflect on our own identities as global citizen and what we can do to promote equal consideration and respect for diverse philosophical perspectives. As part of our practice of cross-cultural philosophical thinking we will have the opportunity to engage with several invited guests who will share their distinctive philosophical perspectives and methods.