Course Outline: BP403 Buddhist Logic and Epistemology, 2009/2010, Semester 2

Basic Data
Program: 
Bachelor of Arts (Buddhist Studies)
Semester: 
Second Semester (November 30, 2009 – March 27, 2010) Academic year 2009/2010
Subject: 
BP403 - Buddhist Logic and Epistemology
Credit / status: 
3 credits / Major Subject
Recommended Texts: 
  • Lata S. Bapat, Buddhist Logic. Delhi: Bharatiya Vidya Prakashan, 1989.
  • Stcherbatsky, The Buddhist Logic (Vol. I and II). New Delhi: Munsiram Manoharalal Publishers, 1996.
  • Wayman. Alex, A Millenium of Buddhist Logic. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidas, 1999.
Course Organization: 

The course will be conducted by the way of lectures, discussions and assignment writing. The lectures will be stated with the introduction to Logic and Epistemology and its development in the field of Buddhist Epistemological logic. Lectures will be conducted according to the following manner:

  • Lecture 1: Introduction to Logic and Epistemology
  • Lecture 2: Buddhist logic and Epistemology – General guidance
  • Lecture 3: Buddhist Logicians and their contribution to the development of logical system.
  • Lecture 4: Different types of cognitive theories
  • Lecture 5: Means of knowledge
  • Lecture 6: Perception (Pratyaksa)
  • Lecture 7: Various ways of perception.
  • Lecture 8: Inference (Anumāna)
  • Lecture 9: Inference for oneself (Svārthānumāna)
  • Lecture 10: Inference for others (Parārthānumāna)
  • Lecture 11: Syllogism
  • Lecture 12: Validity of reasons
  • Lecture 13: Fallacies of reasons (Hetvābhāsa)
  • Lecture 14: Fallacies of minor premise (Pakśābhāsa)
  • Lecture 15: A Summery
Course Requirements: 

The students are expected to obtain a basic knowledge on the subject covered in the course description. The class participation, question and discussion will be encouraged. A suitable amount of time will be allocated at the end of the course for the review and preparation for the examination. Attendance at lectures 80%, a written assignment on a topic of the student’s choice of between 1000 – 1500 words and a final examination will be required.

Allocation of Marks: 
  • Class participation: 10 %
  • Written Assignment: 20 %
  • Mid Term Examination: 20 %
  • Final examination: 50 %
Course Objectives: 

NULL

Grading: 

All tests, assignments and examinations are graded as follows with grade point and numerical marks:

Grade Performance Grade value Percentage Equivalence
A+ Excellent 4.0 90-100
A Almost Excellent 3.75 85-89
A- Fairly Excellent 3.5 80-84
B+ Very Good 3.25 75-79
B Good 3.0 70-74
B- Fairly Good 2.75 65-69
C+ Fair 2.5 60-64
C Satisfactory 2.25 55-59
C- Minimum Satisfactory 2.0 50-54
D+ Fairly Poor 1.5 40-49
D Poor 1.0 30-39
F Fail 0.0 29 or less
I Incomplete
W Withdrawn
WF Withdrawn because of failure
AU Audit