Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/east-asian-confucianisms-humanism1
Introduction
In the fast-paced and ever-changing landscape of the 21st century, the wisdom of ancient traditions can often feel distant or irrelevant. However, the course 東亞儒家：人文精神一 (East Asian Confucianisms: Humanism (1)) on Coursera brilliantly challenges this notion. Offering a modern perspective on East Asian Confucian values, this course examines the timeless teachings of Confucius, Mencius, Zhu Xi, and various Confucian thinkers from Japan and Korea. While exploring these traditional perspectives, the course also thoughtfully engages with Daoist and Buddhist philosophies, providing a well-rounded view of human wisdom.
Course Overview
This course dives deep into the core values of the East Asian Confucian humanistic tradition and how they resonate within modern contexts, particularly in Taiwan and beyond. Through lectures and engaging unit assignments, students enhance their understanding of East Asian humanism, equipping themselves with cultural insights necessary for facing the challenges of today’s world.
Syllabus Highlights
The content of the course is meticulously structured, with each lecture thoughtfully crafted to build on previous sessions:
- Introduction: Why Revisit East Asian Humanism in the 21st Century – This segment sets the stage for understanding the contemporary relevance of East Asian humanistic values.
- Overview: The Humanistic Spirit in East Asian Confucian Tradition – A comprehensive introduction to the core values and significance of East Asian humanism.
- Wisdom of Confucius – Reflection on Confucian thoughts in light of modern existential questions, including one’s place in the knowledge economy.
- Wisdom of Mencius – Analysis of Mencius’s perspectives, exploring how different eras shape philosophical thought.
- The Book of Great Learning’s Insights – A discussion on the interplay between public and private realms in the context of personal and societal responsibilities.
- East Asian Body Consciousness and Self-Cultivation – Exploring the Confucian emphasis on personal cultivation and its relevance to contemporary issues.
- Views on Life and Death in Confucianism – Examining philosophical reflections on mortality and how they contrast with other traditions.
Pros and Cons
One of the significant advantages of this course is its rich multidisciplinary approach, which not only highlights Confucianism but also emphasizes the interconnectedness of philosophical traditions. The assignments are engaging and encourage self-reflection, making this course a genuinely transformative learning experience.
However, the course’s depth may require some prior familiarity with East Asian philosophical concepts for optimal comprehension. For those new to this subject matter, it might seem challenging at times.
Conclusion
Overall, East Asian Confucianisms: Humanism (1) is a highly recommended course on Coursera for those interested in exploring philosophical traditions that still hold relevance today. It offers valuable insights necessary for personal growth and societal engagement, making it a perfect addition for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of humanism in a global context.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/east-asian-confucianisms-humanism1