A Case to Broaden Introductory Philosophy Courses via Research in Non-Western Traditions

2025/2026

Summary

This project intends to show that there is genuine student interest as well as growing existing staff effort to broaden introductory philosophy courses to encompass nonwestern traditions in research. Amidst a traditional Euro-centric academic environment at Warwick Philosophy, the project team aims to suggest plans for how broadening research can be incorporated into the existing academic structure. By seeking student and staff views and closely analysing the current nonwestern taught curriculum, the project will explore how nonwestern philosophical research can be incorporated into new as well as existing modules. Via updated reading lists that include nonwestern academic works, students even reading Euro-centric topics can have better exposure to alternative schools of thought. We also make the case that it would be feasible, without demanding too much prerequisite research from existing teaching staff, to consider new nonwestern modules for students who wish to explore multiple traditions concurrently (e.g. a rotating/ mixed teaching system). An expanded taught curriculum would incentivise, develop, and broaden student-initiated research in currently overlooked philosophical areas.

Assets