國立政治大學

課程簡介

This course considers the possibility of intercultural philosophy between Chinese and European traditions.  The course follows the three main phases of Western philosophy: its beginning in ancient Greece, its high point between Kant and Hegel, and its decline after the second world war.  When we compare ancient Chinese and ancient Greek thought we find similarities, for in both cases philosophy is grounded in spiritual exercises.  In the nineteenth century, however, Europe developed a philosophical culture that laid the foundation for the human sciences.  Since a similar philosophical culture is not found in traditional China, it became common to deny that there is philosophy in China.  At the end of the nineteenth century nihilism, the counterpoint to philosophy, gained strength.  We will read what Nietzsche says about nihilism and consider if nihilism is also found in the Chinese tradition.  Today the European culture of philosophy is in decline and we see an openness to what is now called “Chinese philosophy.” We consider examples of how Chinese philosophy is presented on the global stage.  The main questions addressed in the course are: What is philosophy?  Is there philosophy in China?  Can you have philosophy without nihilism?  Has European philosophy come to an end?  Is there such a thing as global, or intercultural philosophy?