Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/east-asian-confucianisms-humanism1
In our increasingly complex and interconnected world, understanding diverse philosophical traditions can offer invaluable insights and guidance. The Coursera course, ‘East Asian Confucianisms: Humanism (1)’ (東亞儒家：人文精神一), provides a compelling exploration of the core values within the East Asian Confucian humanist tradition, viewed through a modern lens.
This course delves into the life wisdom of influential figures like Confucius, Mencius, and Zhu Xi, as well as Confucian scholars from Japan and Korea. It also thoughtfully contrasts these with the life wisdom found in Taoism and Buddhism, offering a richer understanding of the East Asian philosophical landscape. A significant portion of the course is dedicated to examining the Confucian humanist tradition in Taiwan and its interaction with the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
Through lectures and assignments, the course aims to familiarize students with the essence of East Asian humanism. It equips learners with the ability to draw upon traditional cultural and spiritual resources to navigate and address contemporary issues. The syllabus is structured logically, starting with an introduction that tackles the relevance of East Asian humanism in the 21st century, posing crucial questions about new developmental trends and the inherent value of Confucian thought.
The course then moves to a general overview of humanism within the East Asian Confucian tradition, exploring its core values, key facets, and its implications for humanist education today. It uses perspectives like ‘self and other,’ ‘nature and humanity,’ and ‘past and present’ to synthesize the characteristics and future outlook of this tradition.
Specific modules are dedicated to the life wisdom of key figures. Confucius’s teachings are examined in the context of modern challenges such as the knowledge economy, interpersonal relationships, and ecological concerns. Mencius’s unique perspective on life, including the concept of ‘haoran zhi qi’ (vast, flowing spirit/energy), is also explored, along with its 21st-century relevance.
The course also highlights the practical application of Confucian thought, focusing on the ‘Great Learning’ (‘Daxue’) and its concept of the interconnectedness of the individual and the world. It delves into the Confucian understanding of the body and methods of self-cultivation, comparing the Confucian concept of ‘self’ with that found in Buddhism. Finally, the course addresses the Confucian views on life and death, drawing out the underlying humanist values and contrasting them with other major philosophical and religious traditions.
Overall, ‘East Asian Confucianisms: Humanism (1)’ is a well-structured and insightful course that offers a profound understanding of a vital philosophical heritage. It successfully bridges ancient wisdom with contemporary concerns, making it a highly recommended study for anyone interested in philosophy, cultural studies, or seeking a deeper understanding of humanism in a global context.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/east-asian-confucianisms-humanism1