Indian Philosophy [2504]

General Information

• Credits: 6 ECTS
• Prerequisites: baccalaureate level or equivalent; proficiency in French
• Learning format: asynchronous distance learning – 100% e-learning
• Language of instruction: French
• Course access: available at any time of year
• Disability liaison officer: Cécile Boucherle

Course Overview

This course offers an introduction to the foundations of classical Indian philosophy through its principal texts and concepts. It begins by examining the meaning of darśana and śāstra, the historical development of Indian philosophy, its major traditions, and its shared characteristics. It then explores the philosophical teachings of the Vedas, including the structure of Vedic literature, the concepts ofṛta, karma, sacrifice, and social order. Finally, the course studies the Upaniṣads, focusing on the doctrines of Brahman and Ātman, the nature of bondage and liberation (mokṣa), and the search for ultimate reality through self-knowledge. Together, these units present the evolution of Indian philosophical thought from ritual practice to profound metaphysical reflection on the self, the cosmos, and liberation. 

Learning Outcomes

This course enables you to:

• Trace the shift in Vedic thought from polytheistic ritual (yajña) to the monism of the Upaniṣads.
  
• Explain the core concepts of ṛta (cosmic order), karma (moral causation) and the four aims of life (dharma, artha, kāma, mokṣa).
  
• Analyse the relationship between Brahman and Ātman, and how knowledge of their unity leads to liberation (mokṣa).
  
• Distinguish orthodox (Āstika) from heterodox (Nāstika) schools, and identify the beliefs they nonetheless share.

Course Competencies

This course is linked to the following competency:

• Analyse religious traditions and world thought in their philosophical dimension.

Course Outline

Section 1: Understanding Classical Indian Philosophy

Section 2: The Philosophy of the Vedas Additional reading material

Section 3: The Philosophy of the Upaniṣads

Section 4: The Classification of Schools in Indian Philosophy 

Assessment Methods 

Course assessment is based on:

• tracking and completion of the course and of all learning activities. These activities, designed as essential practice and learning exercises, may be completed multiple times and are not factored into the final grade,
• the final assessment quiz, which constitutes the graded evaluation. 

Learning Format

The course is taught entirely online via the MyDomuni platform, accessible 24/7.
Learning resources include:

• written course materials;
• supplementary documents and, depending on the content, video resources;
• interactive learning activities (quizzes, exercises);
• a discussion forum with the course instructor and fellow participants.

Prerequisites

This course is open to anyone with a general level of education equivalent to the baccalaureate, or with personal or academic experience related to the topics covered.

A good command of written French is recommended to facilitate understanding of the content and participation in the activities offered.

Accessibility

The course is accessible at any time, from any internet-connected device, via the MyDomuni platform.
For students with disabilities, specific support can be arranged upon request to ensure equitable access to course content and activities.

Disability liaison officer: cecile.boucherle@domuni.eu.

Selective Bibliography

• xSurendranath Dasgupta, A History of Indian Philosophy, vol. I, Delhi, Motilal Banarsidass, 1992 (reprint), pp. 62-77.
• M. Hiriyanna, Outlines of Indian Philosophy, Delhi, Motilal Banarsidass, 2009 (reprint), pp. 29-47.
• R. N. Sharma, History of Indian Philosophy, Delhi, Surjeet Publications, 1994, pp. 14-16.
• Jadunath Sinha, Indian Philosophy, vol. I, Delhi, Motilal Banarsidass, 1999 (reprint), pp. 1-4.
• Jadunath Sinha, Outlines of Indian Philosophy, Calcutta, New Central Book Agency, 2006 (reprint), pp. 2-17.