Eastern & Western Conceptions of Human Nature, Ethics, & Politics

Course deals with differences of value by understanding a variety of traditions. Explores conceptions of human nature and how these connect with views about the good human life, duties, responsibilities, rights, and proper forms of political governance. International team leads discussions from comparative and cross-cultural perspectives. Critically examines Western sources, Chinese/Korean sources, Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain sources- analyzing how these ideas shape contemporary Western/East Asian/South Asian culture. All in context of contemporary scientific sources on human nature from psychology, anthropology, and primatology.