RLT4070

Buddhism: society and politics

(ART)

Ian Mabbett and Padmasiri De Silva

12 points + 2 hours per week + Second semester + Clayton

Synopsis: Ethical and social doctrines in early Buddhist texts and their implications for questions of politics in the light of the society of the time. Buddhist ethical doctrines and theories in the light of Western philosophical issues. The unit highlights selected issues of social concern such as human relationships and emotions, women and family, race, caste and identity orientations, equality, freedom and human rights, ethical issues pertaining to the environment, and death and dying.

Assessment: Exercise (1000 words): 10% + Two research essays (3000 words each): 30% + Examination (2 hours): 60%