24.201  Topics in History of Phil: 'Who Am I? Self, Mind, Soul in Western and Indian Traditions'

In this class we’ll study ideas about the self, mind and soul in three philosophical traditions: first, that of Ancient Greece, looking at Plato and Aristotle; second, that of Ancient India, looking at debate between Hindu (Advaita Vedanta, Nyaya) and Buddhist schools; and third, among European philosophers of the Early Modern period, looking at Descartes, Locke and Hume. So this time, the course is taking a topic, rather than a single philosopher or philosophical movement, as its unifying theme. We will consider arguments for and against the immortality of the soul; and about the nature of soul, self or mind, its continuity, and its relation to the body.

The official course prerequisite is one previous philosophy course, but this may be waived in appropriate circumstances with the permission of the course giver.  Readings for the class will be supplied on the Stellar class site.

Note on the course and course giver. This is the first time a philosophy class with this comparative content has been offered at MIT. Rae Langton is a Professor of Philosophy who works in the history of western philosophy, and has interests in Indian philosophy, having been born and raised in India. She has been a visitor to the University of Delhi, and has taught topics in Indian Philosophy prior to joining MIT.