This course examines some of the central questions discussed by Indian philosophers and discovers that they are often quite similar to those raised by so-called Western thinkers. Thus, far from being the irrational foil of "the West," Indian tradition is a rich resource for thinking through some of the central ideas that have challenged philosophers in both traditions. In this course, we focus on the more technical or even analytic side of Indian philosophy. We first examine the epistemological tradition, focusing more particularly on the analysis of language. This may come as a surprise to those who think that Indian philosophy is "mystical," but it reflects one of the strongest points of the Indian tradition-its emphasis on questions such as the analysis of the nature and role of language in human cognition, the nature of meaning, and the relation between language and the world. In dealing with these questions, we examine the rich dialogue created by the conflicting views of Hindu realists and Buddhist nominalists. We then question the views of Indian epistemology by examining the Madhyamaka tradition, which presents a radical critique of Indian philosophy. We consider carefully this tradition, which offers a deconstructive critique of metaphysical thinking, and conclude by examining some of the ethical implications of this tradition. Format: lecture/discussion. Requirements: full attendance and participation; three short essays (4-6 pages). No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 30 (expected: 20).