Work & Academics

Comparative World Philosophies

John Stewart Mill, an Englishman, lived during the first three quarters of the 19^th century. Although not a professional philosopher, he was a well-respected writer of his time, touching on many subjects. His essay On Liberty, is a good example of his ability to work through questions in a reasonable manner. At the center of Mill’s essay is an exploration of the entitlement of governments and society to assert power on the individual—to interfere “with the liberty of action of any of their number.” Mill asserts that the only time our liberty—both individual and collective—should be sacrificed or interfered with, is when not sacrificing our liberty would result in harm to others. Our individual well being is not reason enough for us to exert our power to limit someone else’s liberty. As Mill writes, “The only part of the conduct of anyone, for which he is amenable to society, is that which concerns others.”

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Questions:

• Why do religions exist? Give at least three possible reasons, and defend them with good arguments.
• List, and briefly describe, five characteristics that are typically associated with a religion.
• What are the four Vedas about? Describe them in detail.
• Define the concept of maya, and describe the impact of this concept on the Hindu understanding of death.
• Describe three of the yogas and explain how they function within Hindu practice.
• List the Four Noble Truths. Explain how they illustrate the practical nature of Buddhist teaching.
• Describe two typical practices associated with Zen and explain how they relate to the goal of achieving enlightenment.
• Explain the yin and yang, using examples as necessary to illustrate your explanation.
• What is the Tao Te Ching and what role has it played in the Taoist religion?
• Explain the ideal of wu wei.

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