HST 201D: Intellectual History: Taoism and Stoicism

Spring 2003

Crispin Sartwell

Bunting 435

410 225 2302

mindstorm@pipeline.com

This course is a cross-cultural exploration of two ancient philosophies that had a majore effect on intellectual history, and that are notable both for their similarities and their differences. We will read classic texts of both.

Required texts:

The Handbook of Epictetus (Nicholas White, trans)

Tao Te Ching, by Lao Tzu (Stephen Mitchell, trans)

The Emperor's Handbook, by Marcus Aurelius (C. Scot and David Hicks, trans)

Chuang Tzu, by Chuang Tzu (Burton Watson, trans)

Required work for the course consists of weekly one-page essays and longer (five to seven-page) mid-term and final papers. The weekly essays will account for 40% of the grade, and each of the longer papers for 25%. 10% is reserved for participation and improvement through the semester.

All readings will be xeroxed handouts.

Schedule:

1.17: Introduction

1.24: Tao Te Ching

introduction, text

1.31: Tao Te Ching

2.10: Tao Te Ching

2.7: Epictetus

introduction, text

2.14: Epictetus

2.21: Epictetus

2.28: Chuang Tzu

introduction, sections 1, 2

3.14 Chuang Tzu

sections 3-6

3.21: Chuang Tzu

sections 7, 17, 18

3.28: Chuang Tzu

sections 19, 26,

4.4: Marcus Aurelius

intro

4.11: Marcus

Books 1-4

4.18: Marcus

Books 5-8

4.25: Marcus

Books 9-12

5.2: review

final paper due