Write a Fictional Dialogue Between Two Students, One from India

question 39

Essay

Write a fictional dialogue between two students, one from India or China, and one from America, exploring Eastern and Western perspectives on the nature of reality, of God (or ultimate religious reality), of self, and the nature of a good life. The American student can speak from two or more of the Western points of view that have been explored in this book (including Descartes, Spinoza, Locke, Kant, etc.). The Eastern student should focus on two or more of the following: Indian philosophies of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Confucianism, or Daoism. Your goal should be to clarify what the differences actually are and to look for areas of common ground.

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Definitions:

International Council

A global organization or body consisting of members from different countries, formed to address mutual concerns, promote international cooperation, and facilitate dialogue on global issues.

Rerum Novarum

An encyclical issued by Pope Leo XIII in 1891, addressing the condition of the working classes, advocating for workers' rights, and condemning both socialism and unfettered capitalism.

Welfare Capitalism

A system where corporations provide social welfare services to their employees in order to discourage governmental intervention and unionization.

Mann Act

A federal law passed in 1910 in the United States that made it illegal to transport women across state lines for the purpose of prostitution or debauchery, or for any other immoral purpose.