Module overview
Political and military tumult would not seem an ideal backdrop for contemplation, but out of China’s Warring States period emerged a rich variety of philosophical thought; indeed, this period became affiliated with the ‘Hundred Schools of Thought’. Some of these traditions, like the Confucian and Daoist traditions, would go on to shape China and indeed East Asia in ways that can still be felt today, not only intellectually but also culturally. Other traditions, like that of the Mohists, would not retain direct influence beyond the classical period, but can be said to have played a crucial role in shaping the overall trajectory of Chinese and East Asian thought. This module surveys some of these traditions not only to illuminate the history of the intellectual development of a large portion of the world, but also to assess to what extent these ancient traditions provide solutions to current problems.