Introduction to Ethics Olympiad
A beginners guide to the Ethics Olympiad Course Introduction: Welcome to the Ethics Olympiad Course! Designed for beginners of any age, this course equips students to effectively participate in the Ethics Olympiad. In this public speaking competition, teams of 3-5 students delve into ethical discourse on a variety of applied questions. With participation from thousands of schools across Canada, Australia, India, and China, students of all ages will learn to engage in nuanced, calm, and productive discussions on complex ethical issues. Learning Outcomes 1. Critical Thinking Skills: Learn to identify different types of arguments, recognize mistakes in reasoning, and construct logical and persuasive arguments, suitable for beginners. 2. Group Discussion Skills: Acquire skills to clearly summarize and communicate complex theoretical ideas under time pressure, engage effectively with peers to promote group progress and understanding, and learn to criticize and defend arguments in a polite yet persuasive manner. 3. Conceptual Knowledge: Gain a foundational understanding of key theories in the philosophy of ethics, comprehend the strengths and weaknesses of different ethical positions, and begin to formulate and argue your own positions within philosophical debates. 4. Ethics Olympiad Skills: Understand the basic structure and format of an Ethics Olympiad and learn to develop presentations and commentaries on a diverse array of case studies, all tailored for beginners.
Olympiad Tournament Preparation
Competition Preparation for Ethics Olympiads Course Overview: Welcome to the preparation course for the 2024 Pan American Ethics Olympiad! This course is designed to prepare students for the upcoming competition, focusing on in-depth analysis and discussion of specific cases. The Pan American Ethics Olympiad is a unique platform where students engage in nuanced discussions and debates on ethical dilemmas. This course aims to refine students' abilities to understand, analyze, and argue ethical positions effectively, preparing them for the challenging and intellectually stimulating environment of the Olympiad. Learning Outcomes: 1. Enhanced Understanding of Ethical Theories: Gain deeper insight into various ethical theories and apply them to real-world scenarios. 2. Case Analysis Skills: Develop the ability to critically analyze and discuss the specific cases for the Olympiad. 3. Debate and Public Speaking: Sharpen public speaking and debate skills, focusing on clear, logical, and persuasive argumentation. 4. Team Collaboration: Foster teamwork and collaborative problem-solving skills. 5. Ethics Olympiad Competence: Master the format and strategies specific to the Ethics Olympiad, including case presentation and rebuttal techniques.
Introduction to Mahāyāna Buddhism
Class 1: The Historical Spread of Buddhism Through Asia - Overview of Buddhism’s spread from India to other parts of Asia. - Impact of cultural and historical contexts on Buddhist practices and teachings. Class 2: Early Mahayana Movements and Scriptures - Examination of the early Mahayana scriptures. - Analysis of the emergence of Mahayana as a distinct movement within Buddhism. Class 3: Prajna, Shunyata, and Apophatic Discourse - Introduction to the concepts of Transcendent Discernment and Emptiness (Shunyata). - Exploration of apophatic discourse in early Mahayana texts. Class 4: Pure Lands: - Concepts and Scriptures Detailed look at the concept of Pure Lands. - Study of kataphatic discourse in Pure Land scriptures. Class 5: Buddha Nature and Its Scriptural Foundations - Discussion on the doctrine of Buddha nature. - Examination of how Buddha nature is presented across different Mahayana texts. Class 6: Introduction to Madhyamaka Philosophy Fundamental principles of the Madhyamaka school. - Discussion on Nagarjuna’s role and contributions to Madhyamaka philosophy. - Exploration of the two truths doctrine as central to Madhyamaka thought. Class 7: Advanced Concepts in Madhyamaka - In-depth analysis of Madhyamaka arguments against intrinsic nature. - Study of classical Madhyamaka texts and commentaries. - Examination of Madhyamaka’s influence on later Buddhist philosophy and practice. Class 8: Introduction to Yogachara Philosophy Overview of the Yogachara school’s foundational concepts. - Discussion on the "consciousness-only" theory and its implications. - Review of key Yogachara scholars and texts. Class 9: Advanced Concepts in Yogachara - Detailed study of the Eight Consciousnesses model and its philosophical significance. - Analysis of Yogachara’s approach to experience and reality. - Exploration of how Yogachara complements or diverges from Madhyamaka thought.
