In the Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upanişad two female philosophers participate in debates whose voices are part of the intellectual narrative constructed in the text. This paper will try to understand how...Show moreIn the Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upanişad two female philosophers participate in debates whose voices are part of the intellectual narrative constructed in the text. This paper will try to understand how these two female scholars, Maitreyi and Gargi, are integrated into this predominantly male narrative. These two women are alone in an intellectual environment of men and this paper will seek to understand how their gender influences their philosophy. This paper is an exploration of female voices, their talents and unique contributions. We will argue that by granting these characters and their distinctive ways of debating a stage, we can highlight their importance within a classic text as the Upanişads, and also within the contemporary academy. This paper will first explore the character Maitreyi. After a summary and brief analysis of her dialogue with Yājñavalkya, we will explain the significance of Maitreyi’s femininity, which manifests in her role as a wife. In a second chapter, we will focus on Gargi by briefly summarizing and interpreting her dialogues. This will be followed by a study of the relevance of gender for the figure of Gargi who rhetorically reverses her gender and debates in innovative ways. The paper will close with a third chapter aimed at presenting and critiquing past academic readings of the figures and arguing for the importance of giving these characters a voice within a male narrative. This paper will seek to demonstrate the different ways in which gender influences the women’s dialogues: While her femaleness grants Maitreyi access to an intimate discussion with her husband, it allows Gargi to employ innovative debating techniques, setting her apart from her fellow debaters. We will argue, refuting interpretations by Ranade and Madhavananda who present Gargi as superficial and chatty, that Gargi and Maitreyi deserve to be respected and placed in the spotlight due to their innovative perspective, their passion and their special access to the debates that distinguish them and are rooted in their gender. Show less
This thesis focuses on the sharp tension between the concept of wuwei Laozi uses in his Daoism and the virtue of li which is of great importance in the philosophy of Confucius. The two concepts...Show moreThis thesis focuses on the sharp tension between the concept of wuwei Laozi uses in his Daoism and the virtue of li which is of great importance in the philosophy of Confucius. The two concepts clash heavily on the notions of striving, sponteinity and value distinctions.Show less
Researchers and scientists believe that they are closer than ever to finding a cure for age-related diseases. Via technological innovations, they hope to ‘cure ageing’ once and for all. This would...Show moreResearchers and scientists believe that they are closer than ever to finding a cure for age-related diseases. Via technological innovations, they hope to ‘cure ageing’ once and for all. This would entail that the human biological lifespan could be extended indefinitely. Quests for immortality have a long record, and recent technological advancements brought immortality once again back in the spotlight. The time has come to critically assess what the consequences of such a technological development would be.Show less
A comparative analysis between the concept of emptiness in the Buddhist and Daoist tradition. A general introduction of the Buddhist tradition was given, followed by a specific discussion of the...Show moreA comparative analysis between the concept of emptiness in the Buddhist and Daoist tradition. A general introduction of the Buddhist tradition was given, followed by a specific discussion of the Madhyamaka school and its concept of śūnyatā. Śūnyatā designates the absence of an intrinsic essence to any aspect of existence and can thus be considered a form of philosophical emptiness. This was followed by an analysis of the Daoist tradition, which deals with emptiness in multiple forms: its central concept of ‘way-making’, the notion of spatiality, and the ethically relevant wu-forms. Finally, a comparison between Daoist and Buddhist forms of emptiness was offered. Both philosophies consider the meaning of emptiness to involve the ambiguity of linguistic definition, the utility of spatial or causal receptivity, and the ethics of selflessness. In the conclusion, emptiness was offered up as a philosophical through-line that can unite disparate schools of thought and provide the foundation for a more global philosophy.Show less
