Eastern philosophy, rather than focusing upon the logic and reasons behind existence and behavior, presents a solution, or set of solutions to the problems everyone encounters in common.  Consequently, Eastern philosophies are viewed not as constructs of reality, but rather, as ethical dilemmas, concentrating upon right behavior, leading the person to freedom.  These ideals, of course, were pure ideals in the ancient world in which they were developed.  In the modern era, moving forward into the postmodern world, however, we see a synchretiistic blending of Eastern and Western ideals.  Still concerned with ethical problems, the solutions now call upon Eastern and Western morals and ideals to find a solution.  Students in this course in addition to the texts and other required reading, will become acquainted with the Japanese Anime' production of several years back, entitled DEATH NOTE, which explores, in Eastern fashion, the ethical dilemma of a young man who is given the opportunity to rid the world of evil. Students in this course,


A Note on Anime.  The Japanese genre called Anime (アニメ), taken from half of the Japanese pronunciation of "animation",  in addition to manga (Japanese comics), is extremely popular in Japan and well known throughout the world. Anime can be released by television broadcast, directly to video, theatrically, as well as online. Anime can be hand-drawn or computer animated. It is used in television series, films, video, video games, commercials, and internet-based releases, and represents most, if not all, genres of fiction.  Most currently available Anime' comprises animated stories, and popular rock music, and is a powerful and universally understood communication method in Japan, as well as throughout the world.  Many clues to societal values, ethics, moral views and philospphu in general can be found in the stories and characterizations of anime. 37 Issues of the Anime' Drama DEATH NOTE are available via Hulu.com.  They are all subtitled in English.  Embedded here is Episode 1.