Introduces the recent stages in a discussion of values, which has accompanied East Asian and Asian awareness of an identity crisis for well over a century. The discussion has produced a new notion of Asian business and work ethics and contributed to the formation of a new complex and controversial Asian identity. The Confucian focus on self-discipline, family coherence, hierarchical order and social status will be contrasted with the traditional Chinese focus on health, preservation of life and energy, individual identity and integrity, and personal spontaneity. Islamic notions of community and transcendence are considered. Analysis will be from an Asian as well as from a Euro-American perspective. Also explores the philosophical roots of the role of education in East Asian societies, including social and professional responsibilities of intellectuals and university graduates since the beginning of the twentieth century.

Note: Offered jointly by the School of Languages and Linguistics, the School of History and Philosophy and the School of Social Sciences and International Studies.