Chinese Thought: Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science. Part 1

About the Course

Drawing on cognitive science, evolutionary psychology, and close readings of classical texts in translation, the course introduces you to the concept of wu-wei (無為), or “effortless action,” and the paradox at its heart: how can you consciously try to stop trying? From the ritual self-cultivation of Confucius to the radical primitivism of Laozi, each thinker offers a distinct answer, and each answer illuminates something surprising about how human minds and societies actually work.

Format

This course is self-directed and consists of four modules. Each module consists of nine lectures (ten in module 1), accompanied by suggested readings and a short quiz. We also include a pre-recorded Q&A with Professor Slingerland, where he answers common student questions. You have a year (365 days) from signing up to the course to complete the material.  

 Length: Approximately 16 hours

 Instructors: Edward Slingerland

 Prerequisite:  None 

 Price: $165.00

About the Instructors

Edward Slingerland is Distinguished University Scholar and Professor of Philosophy at the University of British Columbia.

He earned his B.A. with Distinction from Stanford University in Chinese (1991), his M.A. in classical Chinese from UC Berkeley (1994), and his Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Stanford (1998), where he wrote his dissertation on the topic of wu-wei and the paradox of wu-wei—the first major academic treatment of this topic. His research specialties and teaching interests include Warring States (5th-3rd c. B.C.E.), Chinese thought, religious studies (comparative religion, cognitive science and evolution of religion), cognitive linguistics (blending and conceptual metaphor theory), ethics (virtue ethics, moral psychology), evolutionary psychology, the relationship between the humanities and the natural sciences, and the classical Chinese language.

Refund Policy

Because this is a self-directed class, we cannot offer refunds once you register.

Registration Help

For registration support, contact UBC's Learning Technology Hub at 604-827-4775 or LT.hub@ubc.ca

Please also see the UBC Canvas Catalog learner guide for directions and Frequently Asked Questions: https://lthub.ubc.ca/guides/canvas-catalog-learner-guide/