List of figures and tables
Preface to the second edition
Acknowledgements
Introduction
▪ What is ‘eastern philosophy’?
▪ Philosophy as a cross-cultural phenomenon
▪ Philosophical questions
▪ Philosophy in India
▪ Philosophy in China
▪ Terminology and translations
▪ The philosopher’s dilemma
▪ What happens next?
▪ Study question
▪ References and further reading
Chapter 1: Reason
▪ Ignorance
▪ Argument
▪ Debate
▪ Knowledge
▪ Inference
▪ Causation
▪ Scepticism
▪ Perspectives
▪ Logic
▪ Summary of Chapter 1
▪ Study questions
▪ References and further reading
Chapter 2: Reality
▪ Origins
▪ Existence
▪ Monism
▪ Dualism
▪ Pluralism
▪ Experience
▪ The nature of things
▪ Ultimate reality
▪ Summary of Chapter 2
▪ Study questions
▪ References and further reading
Chapter 3: Persons
▪ Self and world
▪ Self in the Upaniṣads
▪ Rebirth
▪ Karma
▪ Freedom
▪ Individuals
▪ No abiding self
▪ Dependent co-arising
▪ Liberation
▪ Summary of Chapter 3
▪ Study questions
▪ References and further reading
Chapter 4: Virtue
▪ Tradition
▪ The Way
▪ Virtue and relationships
▪ Goodness
▪ Rites
▪ Self-cultivation
▪ Impartial care
▪ Human nature
▪ Altruism
▪ Summary of Chapter 4
▪ Study questions
▪ References and further reading
Chapter 5: Authenticity
▪ Egoism
▪ Dao
▪ Nature
▪ Passivity
▪ Opposites
▪ Vice
▪ Non-action
▪ Ways of being
▪ Exemplary persons
▪ Legalism
▪ Summary of Chapter 5
▪ Study questions
▪ References and further reading
Chapter 6: Mind
▪ Words and things
▪ Individuals and universals
▪ Emptiness and insight
▪ Enlightenment
▪ Principles
▪ The problem of the many and the one
▪ Transcendence and immanence
▪ Introspection
▪ Universal Mind
▪ Sageliness
▪ Summary of Chapter 6
▪ Study questions
▪ References and further reading
Conclusion
▪ Unexplored terrain
▪ Global philosophy
▪ References and further reading
Appendix 1: Timelines
Appendix 2: Websites
Appendix 3: Pronunciation
Appendix 4: Tones for key Chinese terms and names
General Bibliography
Index
Biography
Victoria S. Harrison is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Macau, China. She has extensive experience of teaching Indian and Chinese philosophies and has published widely in the subject areas of Philosophy and Religion.
"This book offers a clear and substantive introduction to the major themes and debates of the Indian and Chinese traditions. Lucidly written and organised, Harrison shows readers how to read and understand the texts and concerns of cultures with very different sensibilities and concerns. Students will find the thematic structure particularly helpful, offering them rich insights into different figures and schools. This book is an excellent resource for those interested to teach and promote appreciation of Asian philosophy."
Ian James Kidd, University of Nottingham, UK
"Victoria Harrison's Eastern Philosophy: The Basics is an indispensable, brilliant guide to philosophy in Asia, especially India and China. The first edition is outstanding, much appreciated by my students; the second edition is even more superb in the class and seminar room."
Charles Taliaferro, Chair of the Department of Philosophy, St. Olaf College, USA
"Victoria Harrison provides a clear-sighted and astute guide to complex eastern traditions and texts. Eastern Philosophy: The Basics is an ideal introduction for the beginner but also a useful guide for more experienced scholars. An initial chapter sets out with admirable clarity the traditions and schools in their context; but thereafter addresses the core topics of philosophy in a synoptic view across the traditions."
Gwen Griffith-Dickson, King's College London, UK
