Buddhist Philosophy in China

Taught by Seth Tichenor

The course will look at the story of Buddhism in China from its appearance in the first few centuries of the common era through its dominance under the Sui and Tang dynasties (581CE - 956CE). We will look at he political, cultural and philosophical issues that gave rise to the ideas and practices that emerged in the major schools of Chinese Buddhism.

We will also look at the debates thinkers within these traditions, had with non-Buddhist philosophers. Finally, we will consider the philosophical and cultural legacy that Buddhism left in China as its dominance receded.