Western Philosophy and Buddhism
Comparative philosophy
Student Experience
A contemplative invitation for students to connect with this learning goal.Identify their questions about life, the biggest questions they can ask, and reflect on why philosophers spend their time on trying to find answers to such questions.
Understanding
Students will understand...While there is often some similarity between the Buddhist view and scientific or philosophical models of reality, recognizing the differences fosters a more nuanced understanding of what the Buddha truly taught.
Action
Students are able to...Analyze the Buddha’s teachings in relation to other philosophical and scientific perspectives, evaluating points of convergence and divergence.
Content Knowledge
Students will know...Philosophy seeks to challenge the assumptions we hold about our lives and to explore why we think what we think and how we decide to act. It enables us to live more authentically and enhances our problem-solving skills. Furthermore, it aids us in analyzing concepts, definitions, arguments, and issues. It bolsters our capacity to organize ideas and concerns, tackle questions of value, and distill the essential from vast amounts of information.
By comparing and contrasting Buddhist ideas with other philosophical concepts, we can appreciate the uniqueness of the Buddhist perspective and recognize the nuances, or subtle differences, that can deepen our understanding of the dharma. Impermanence is an excellent starting point for this investigative comparison.
Guiding Questions
