Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/east-asian-confucianisms-humanism2
Coursera’s “East Asian Confucianisms: Humanism (2)” is a fascinating course that delves into the core values of East Asian Confucian humanism from a modern perspective. It offers a comprehensive exploration of the life wisdom found in the teachings of Confucian scholars like Confucius, Mencius, and Zhu Xi, as well as prominent figures from Japan and Korea. The course also thoughtfully contrasts Confucianism with Taoism and Buddhism, examining their respective approaches to life wisdom.
What makes this course particularly enlightening is its relevance to the 21st century. It doesn’t just present historical philosophies; it actively discusses how these traditions interact with contemporary Taiwan and how their principles can be applied to face modern challenges. Through lectures and assignments, students gain a deeper familiarity with the East Asian humanistic spirit, equipping them with the ability to leverage traditional cultural and spiritual resources.
The syllabus is structured to provide a rich and comparative understanding. Key modules include:
* **Taoist Wisdom in the Tao Te Ching:** This section critically examines the Tao Te Ching, exploring its origins, core concepts of life, practical applications, and its differences from Confucian thought.
* **Zen Buddhist Wisdom:** The course explores the fundamental tenets of Buddhism, its development in China, and the life wisdom embedded in Chinese Mahayana Buddhism, offering insights relevant to the 21st century.
* **The Life Philosophy of the Heart Sutra:** This module dissects the Heart Sutra, investigating its views on the essence and goals of life, and how they compare to Confucian perspectives.
* **Zhu Xi’s Humanism:** Two lectures are dedicated to Zhu Xi, focusing on his concept of ‘Li Yi Fen Shu’ (理一分殊) and its implications for understanding the relationship between humanity and the world in the context of globalization. His theory of ‘Ren’ (仁) and its reception and critique in Japan and Korea are also explored.
* **Confucian Political Thought:** The course analyzes the discourse on ‘Ren Zheng’ (仁政, benevolent governance) in East Asian Confucianism, its origins, development in different regions, and theoretical challenges.
* **Confucian Humanism in Chinese Historiography:** This lecture examines the dialectical relationship between ‘fact’ and ‘value’ in traditional Chinese historical writing and how humanistic spirit is presented.
* **Confucian Humanism in Modern Taiwan:** The course looks at the preservation and development of traditional Chinese cultural values in post-war Taiwan, including the concerns of contemporary Neo-Confucians.
* **Conclusion:** The final lecture synthesizes the core values of East Asian Confucian humanism, comparing and contrasting it with Taoist and Buddhist thought.
Overall, “East Asian Confucianisms: Humanism (2)” is a highly recommended course for anyone interested in understanding the philosophical underpinnings of East Asian cultures, the enduring relevance of Confucianism, and how ancient wisdom can inform contemporary life. It’s an intellectually stimulating journey that provides valuable perspectives on humanism and ethical living.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/east-asian-confucianisms-humanism2