Philosophy & Critical Thinking
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323EPramanaEvaluate how we know what’s real by analyzing the two key ways of knowing: direct experience and inference (logical reasoning); assess how differentiating between clear and confused thinking supports better decision-making and helps avoid the ignorance that keeps us stuck in suffering; integrate this understanding by applying these principles to real-life situations, demonstrating how valid ways of knowing (cognition) helps us distinguish between how things seem (appearance) and how they really are (reality), both in everyday life and in meditation.
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311EBodhicaryavataraAnalyze the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life text, its structure, author, and importance. Differentiate between aspirational and ultimate bodhicitta, and evaluate how impermanence is a basis for generating compassion.
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309EThe Five RemembrancesArticulate the five remembrances and analyze how each contemplation addresses fundamental human experiences of aging, illness, death, separation, and ethical responsibility. Evaluate how regular reflection on impermanence transforms daily decision-making and creates greater presence and mindfulness in immediate experience.
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307EThe Logic of Practicing VirtueRecall the ten virtuous and non virtuous actions, and analyze how applying these principles creates beneficial effects in daily life.
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302EThree Poisons: IgnoranceAnalyze ignorance as misunderstanding—particularly regarding impermanence, interdependence, and selflessness. Evaluate how ignorance serves as the root of all afflictions and distorted perceptions, and implement practices such as mindfulness, reflection on interdependence, and analytical meditation to weaken habitual confusion and cultivate wisdom and clarity in daily life.
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233EAnatta and IdentityAnalyze the Buddhist teaching of anatta (no-self) in relation to cultural identity formation; evaluate how understanding the impermanent nature of identity can reduce sectarianism and nationalism while maintaining healthy cultural appreciation; and synthesize understanding by developing approaches to heritage that honor origins without demanding conformity from others.
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210EWestern Philosophy and BuddhismAnalyze the Buddha’s teachings in relation to other philosophical and scientific perspectives, evaluating points of convergence and divergence.
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135ESubjectivityAnalyze how Buddhist teachings on dependent origination explain the subjective nature of perception; evaluate the limitations of individual perspectives by practicing systematic perspective-taking exercises; and synthesize understanding by applying multiple-viewpoint analysis to complex problems while demonstrating awareness of the relative nature of all viewpoints.
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107EChallenging Others’ ViewsEvaluate invalid assumptions and harmful dogmas, and generate skillful responses to challenge them using discriminating intelligence. Model and implement respectful inquiry techniques.