Philosophy: Philosophy in World Traditions

The master’s programme Philosophy in World Traditions is meant for students who wish to combine a master’s in (classical) Chinese, Indian, Arabic, or an adjacent discipline with a master’s in Philosophy in World Traditions. This programme is unique in Europe. Leiden is the only place where you can study the histories and languages of India, East Asia, and the Arab world combined with upper-level philosophical analysis of these sources, taught by internationally renowned experts in their fields. 

What will you study?

You will combine advanced courses in the non-Western tradition of your preference–including language acquisition—with high-level philosophical analysis of the central concepts, and theories of philosophy in that tradition. In addition, great attention will be paid to the methodology used in interpreting and learning from these traditions.

Is this programme for you?

If you are curious about intellectual philosophical traditions outside of the standard canon and have the ambition to familiarize yourself with the historical, cultural, and linguistic contexts in which these traditions were formed, this is the programme for you. A love for reading both classical and modern texts and analysing and discussing these intensively with your instructor and fellow students, is essential.