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PHL241Arts Unitsintermediate

Comparative Philosophy

This course introduces learners to Western, Asian, and African philosophical traditions, fostering cross-cultural understanding. It explores the practice of comparative philosophy, equipping learners with intellectual techniques to analyze similar and contrasting ideas. The course covers philosophical worldviews, main concepts, themes, and leading positions in the three traditions. It also addresses the benefits and challenges of comparative engagement with philosophical ideas, promoting tolerance and appreciation of diverse cultural backgrounds.

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45h
Study Time
13
Weeks
3h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Comparative PhilosophyAfrican PhilosophyAsian PhilosophyWestern PhilosophyCross-cultural Analysis

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Comparative Philosophy

2

African Philosophy

3

Asian Philosophy

4

Western Philosophy

5

Intercultural Philosophy

6

Philosophical Methodologies

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Philosopher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Cultural Analyst

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Policy Advisor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Educator

Apply your skills in this growing field

International Relations Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

EducationGovernmentInternational OrganizationsCultural InstitutionsResearch

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Introducing Comparative Philosophy

2h

Unit 1: Introducing Comparative Philosophy

2 study hours
  • •Understand the meaning of comparative philosophy.
  • •Define comparative philosophy in your own terms.
  • •Explain and discuss the nature of comparative philosophy.
  • •Differentiate comparative philosophy from other kindred disciplines.
Week
2

Module 1: Introducing Comparative Philosophy

2h

Unit 2: The Development of Comparative Philosophy

2 study hours
  • •Understand the historical evolution of comparative philosophy as a sub-field of philosophy.
  • •Explain and discuss the initial inspiration and the influence of the Second World War on the development of the field.
Week
3

Module 1: Introducing Comparative Philosophy

2h

Unit 3: Main Positions and Challenges of Doing Comparative Philosophy

2 study hours
  • •Understand the main positions which philosophers took regarding the significance of comparative philosophy as a field.
  • •Understand the challenges of doing comparative philosophy.
  • •Offer personal critical insight on the challenges of doing comparative philosophy.
Week
4

Module 1: Introducing Comparative Philosophy

2h

Unit 4: Approaches and Methods of Comparative Philosophy

2 study hours
  • •Understand the various approaches to doing comparative study.
  • •Understand the various methods for doing comparative philosophy.
  • •Offer your own critical insight on the various approaches and methods of comparative philosophy.
Week
5

Module 2: Definition, History and Periodisation of African Philosophy

2h

Unit 1: Definition, History and Periodization of African Philosophy

2 study hours
  • •Define African philosophy in your own terms.
  • •Possess a working knowledge of the history of African philosophy.
  • •Explain and discuss the various periods that characterise systematic African philosophy.
Week
6

Module 2: Definition, History and Periodisation of African Philosophy

2h

Unit 2: Schools of Thought and Methodologies of African Philosophy

2 study hours
  • •Display an understanding of the schools of thought in African philosophy.
  • •Explain the tenets of the predominant methodologies of African philosophy.
Week
7

Module 2: Definition, History and Periodisation of African Philosophy

2h

Unit 3: Some Themes in African Philosophy

2 study hours
  • •Possess adequate knowledge of the major themes in African philosophy.
  • •Possess knowledge of the major African philosophers who have addressed these themes.
  • •Explain the various ideas projected by different African philosophers with regards to these themes.
Week
8

Module 3: Meaning and Methodologies of Western Philosophy

2h

Unit 1: Meaning and Methodologies of Western Philosophy

2 study hours
  • •Define Western philosophy.
  • •Explain the historical development of Western philosophy.
  • •Understand the historical development of Western philosophy.
  • •Explain the history, development and tenets of the predominant methodologies in Western philosophy.
Week
9

Module 3: Meaning and Methodologies of Western Philosophy

2h

Unit 2: Some Themes in Western Philosophy

2 study hours
  • •Possess adequate knowledge of the major themes in Western philosophy.
  • •Possess knowledge of the major Western philosophers who have addressed these themes.
  • •Explain the various ideas projected by different Western philosophers with regards to these themes.
Week
10

Module 3: Meaning and Methodologies of Western Philosophy

2h

Unit 3: Meaning and Methodologies of Asian Philosophy

2 study hours
  • •Define Asian philosophy.
  • •Explain and understand the historical development of Asian philosophy.
  • •Explain and understand the history, development and tenets of the predominant methodologies in Asian philosophy.
Week
11

Module 3: Meaning and Methodologies of Western Philosophy

2h

Unit 4: Some Themes in Asian Philosophy

2 study hours
  • •Possess adequate knowledge of the major themes in Western philosophy.
  • •Possess knowledge of the major Western philosophers who have addressed these themes.
  • •Explain the various ideas projected by different Western philosophers with regards to these theme
Week
12

Module 4: A Comparison of African, Western and Asian Philosophies

4h

Unit 1: A Comparison of African and Western Philosophies

2 study hours
  • •Learn how to compare African philosophy with Western philosophy.
  • •Compare African philosophical thought and Western philosophical thought.
  • •Understand the points of similarity between Western philosophical tradition and African philosophical tradition.
  • •Understand points of similarity between the Western and African philosophical traditions

Unit 2: A Comparison of African and Asian Philosophies

2 study hours
  • •Learn how to compare African philosophy with Asian philosophy.
  • •Compare African philosophical thought and Asian philosophical thought.
  • •Understand the points of similarity between Asian and African philosophical traditions.
  • •Understand points of dissimilarity between the Asian and African philosophical traditions.
Week
13

Module 4: A Comparison of African, Western and Asian Philosophies

2h

Unit 3: A Comparison of Asian and Western Philosophies

2 study hours
  • •Learn how to compare Western philosophy with Asian philosophy.
  • •Compare Western philosophical thought and Asian philosophical thought.
  • •Understand the points of similarity between Asian and Western philosophical traditions.
  • •Understand points of dissimilarity between Asian and Western philosophical traditions.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create comparative charts outlining key concepts, themes, and methodologies across the three philosophical traditions.

2

Practice analyzing philosophical arguments from different cultural perspectives, focusing on identifying underlying assumptions.

3

Review and synthesize the main points from each module, paying attention to the connections between different philosophical systems.

4

Focus on understanding the historical context and development of each philosophical tradition, noting key figures and movements.

5

Prepare essay outlines for potential exam questions, emphasizing critical analysis and comparative insights.

6

Form study groups to discuss and debate complex philosophical ideas, challenging each other's understanding and perspectives.

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