History of Modern Philosophy (PHL 214 Washington College)

“History of Modern Philosophy” introduces major thinkers and schools of thought in the history of modern philosophy. Part I on “Enlightenment” investigates the major achievement, and the social and political background of modern philosophy. Part II on “Modern Scientific Revolution” introduces the scientific origin of the ideological transformations that define modern philosophy. Finally, Part III delves into the details of three representing modern philosophers’ thought: Descartes’ rationalism, Hume’s empiricism and the Kantian synthesis. Special acquired skills: students will learn how to make short videos to introduce their philosophical ideas to the public.

For a teaching documentary, please click here.

Ru and Confucianism (PHL/REL 394 Washington College)

This course introduces the philosophical concepts, sociological foundation, political implementation, and spiritual/religious practices of the Asian Ru (Confucian) tradition. While remaining sensitive to its varying characteristics through different historical periods, the course also presents Ruism’s development across Asian countries such as Korea, Japan, Vietnam and Indonesia, and studies its historical interaction with Western cultures. Students are encouraged to think over and practice Ruist insights in a broader context of philosophical and religious studies, while being able to compare it with other major Asian and Western philosophical and religious traditions. Special acquired skills: students will learn Meditation in Motion in its varying forms, such as breathing, sleeping, quiet-sitting and Taiji martial arts, to strengthen their mind-body general well-being and increase creativity and productivity.

For a 2018 teaching documentary, please click here.

For a 2020 Spring teaching documentary, please click here.

Introduction to Comparative Religion: Eastern (PHL/REL 112 Washington College)

This introductory course of Eastern religions aims to increase religious literacy on the philosophical, societal, and practical aspects of four major Eastern religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism (Ruism), and Daoism. While focusing on the discussion of Eastern religions, historical and cultural distinctions of major Asian countries and areas, such as India, Nepal, Tibet, China, and Japan, will also be studied.

For a teaching documentary, please click here.

Foundations of Morality (PHL 225, Fall 2020, Washington College)

This course offers theoretical and applied ethics, leveraging both Western and Eastern moral philosophies to address challenges inherent in leading a virtuous and good human life. Students will explore moral philosophies including virtue ethics, deontology, utilitarianism, stoicism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. Additionally, they will examine cognitive fallacies that can engender self-defeating emotional and behavioral patterns, such as perfectionism, damnation, bandwagon thinking, stereotyping, and lack of empathy. No prerequisites are required.

Global Wisdom and Literature (ENG/PHL/REL 294, 2022 Fall, Washington College, co-taught with Prof. Courtney Rydel from the English department.)

“Global Wisdom and Literature” (PHL/ENG 294, 2022 FALL) introduces and studies global wisdom traditions in an interdisciplinary endeavor of literary studies, philosophy, and religious studies. From the Mesopotamian mythology of Gilgamesh to the early modern Japanese Buddhist poetry of Matsuo Basho; from the rational self-defense of Socrates in the Apology to the passionate longing for the ineffable God mused by Sufis in Islamic mysticism; from the varying cities of the Roman Empire which signpost the Christian spiritual journey of Augustine in his Confessions to the downfall of the Confucian harmony of Tang Dynasty of China lamented by Du Fu’s Spring View, the great human tradition of global wisdom and literature will be explored to overcome the barriers of history, geography, ideology, genre, and academic disciplines. With the instruction and guidance of two WC professors (Prof. Courtney E. Rydel and Prof. Bin Song), students will be expected to acquire skills of intercultural and interdisciplinary competence which is pivotal to the real-world value of contemporary liberal arts education. This class counts for the distribution of Humanities and Fine Arts, the English major and minor, the Philosophy major and minor, the Religious Studies minor, the Humanities major, and the Medieval and Early Modern Studies minor. No Prerequisite.

Euro-Eccentrism: the Enlightenment and Confucianism (PHL/REL 494, 2023 Fall, Washington College)
This course explores the ways how Western philosophy during the Enlightenment period (17th and 18th centuries) was developed under the influence of Confucianism with a focus on the works of Spinoza, Nicolas Malbranche, Leibniz, Christian Wolff, Voltaire, and Benjamin Franklin. It aims to provide a deeper understanding of the intertwining of Western and Non-Western Philosophies in history, and how the exchange and influence of different cultures and philosophies shape the development of human thought. The course examines the interactions between Asia and the West through trade, missionary activity, and cultural exchange, and how Confucianism was understood and adapted by these key Enlightenment thinkers. The larger context of the course is to diversify the philosophy curriculum currently taught in American universities and colleges. Through primary and secondary sources analysis, contemplative and reflective activities, and research paper, students will gain a fuller and critical understanding of modern philosophy, particularly regarding its Euro-Eccentric dimension.

Buddhism: Philosophy, Meditation and Ritual (PHL/REL 294, 2024 Fall, Washington College, co-taught with Prof. Jon McCollum at the Music department)

This course offers an in-depth introduction of Buddhism’s origins, evolution, and manifestations across various cultures. Co-taught by Professors Bin Song (Philosophy and Religion) and Jon McCollum (Music), it delves into Buddhism’s journey from its Hindu roots to its development into Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana traditions in both Asian and Western contexts. Covered topics include philosophical principles, meditative practices, and cultural expressions such as rituals and monasticism, examining their interaction with society and politics. Leveraging interdisciplinary expertise in philosophy, theology, religious studies, ritual studies, ethnography, and musicology, this course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Buddhism’s societal and personal impacts. It motivates students to explore practical and philosophical insights that enhance their intercultural competency, leadership skills, and overall well-being. No prerequisites are required.

Courses under Preparation:

• Chinese Thought and Literature
• Kantian Seminar
• Introduction to Hinduism
• Abrahamic Spirituality

Shared Teaching Experience:

• How to Organize Online Discussion (shared at the Cromwell Center for Teaching and Learning at Washington College)
• Self-care and Resilience: How to Teach during the Pandemic (lecture in the course of “Liberal arts during the Pandemic” at Washington College in 2020 summer)