Course goals.
Contents: Introduce students to the central concepts of Abhidharma and Nyāya metaphysics.
Method: Introduce students to the analytical-argumentative method of problem analysis and encourage them to critically evaluate the discussed ideas.
This is an introductory course and there are no prerequisites.
However, it is highly recommended that you attend the first module, which is taught by Prof. Bottani.
Lectures.
Discussion and questions are particularly welcome.
Oral exam
The course introduces students to classical Indian metaphysics through an analysis of two very different traditions: Nyāya (logic), a Hindu philosophy, and Abhidharma, as presented by the Buddhist master Vasubandhu.
The metaphysical realism of Nyāya. Seven categories.
The theory of the self as an immaterial substance.
Abhidharma: a radically revisionist Buddhist metaphysics.
The theory of non-self.
