Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/mencius2
In an age where understanding cultural roots is more important than ever, the Coursera course ‘東亞儒學：孟子二 (East Asian Confucianisms: Mencius(2))’ offers a profound exploration of Confucian thought through the lens of Mencius. This course is designed to help students uncover the essence of traditional Chinese culture and its deep humanistic implications, making it particularly relevant in our 21st-century globalized context.
The course is structured into seven engaging lectures, each focusing on different historical periods and interpretations of Mencius’ teachings. From the Warring States period to the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties, students will engage in dialogues that reflect on their own contemporary challenges while drawing wisdom from Mencius.
The first lecture sets the stage by examining how Mencius was reinterpreted by Confucian scholars from the Warring States to the Tang dynasty. This historical context is crucial for understanding the evolution of Confucian thought and its varying interpretations across different dynasties.
Subsequent lectures delve into the Song dynasty, where the course highlights the controversies surrounding Mencius’ ideas and the significant contributions of thinkers like Zhu Xi. The course also contrasts Zhu Xi’s interpretations with those of Wang Yangming, providing students with a multifaceted understanding of Mencius’ impact on later Confucian thought.
The final lectures focus on the Qing dynasty’s engagement with Mencius and culminate in a reflective conclusion that emphasizes the enduring spirit of Mencius and its relevance to Chinese culture today.
Overall, this course is not just an academic exercise; it is a journey into the heart of Confucian philosophy that encourages students to reflect on their own lives and societal roles. I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in philosophy, cultural studies, or the historical development of ideas in East Asia. It promises to enrich your understanding of not only Mencius but also the broader implications of Confucian thought in our modern world.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/mencius2