Monthly Archives: October 2022

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Ought entails Can (and Prohibited entails Can) for Kumārila (and Śabara)

Within TV ad 1.3.4, (Mimamsadarsana 1929-34, pp. 192–193), Kumārila discusses a seeming deontic conflict and solves it by appealing to the different responsibilities (adhikāra) of the various addressees. He explains that the prescription to learn the Vedas for 48 years does not conflict (virodhābhāva) with the duty to get married and have children, because it addresses people who suffer of disabilities and who therefore cannot become householders. This is a further evidence of how O(x/a) implies that a is actually able to perform x. If a is unable to perform x, the obligation is not incumbent upon them (the background, ableist, assumption is that a blind or lame person cannot support a family.

Kumārila also discusses the prescription to learn the Veda by heart in order to get svarga (heaven/happiness) and explains it would clash against the ones prescribing complicated sacrifices for the same result, since no one would engage in them, if learning the Veda by heart were enough. Here, we see several principles at work:

1. No prescription can remain idle.
2. Translative (?) property of duties: If x implies z and O(x), then O(z). In fact, performing sacrifices \emph{presupposes} learning the Veda by heart, so that O(sacrifices)—>O(learning Veda by heart).

Because of 1., it is clear that the former prescription necessarily only applies to people who cannot perform the latter. Thus: If there are two seemingly contradictory obligations (both aiming at the same result), that is:

(i) O(x/in order to reach s) and
(ii) O (x3/in order to reach s),
then one needs to postulate for the former an additional condition that states something like “Unless you can perform (ii).

As for the converse, namely that prohibitions imply possibility, Śabara (ŚBh ad 1.2.18) explains that the seeming prohibition “The Fire is not to be kindled on the earth, nor in the sky, nor in heaven” cannot be taken as a prohibition, because fire cannot be kindled in the sky nor in heaven.

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Sanskrit position in Chicago

Instructional Professor in Sanskrit

Position Description
The Department of South Asian Languages and Civilizations and the College of the University of Chicago invites applications for a position as an Instructional Professor (open rank) in Sanskrit. The position begins in academic year 2023–24, with a start date of September 1, 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter. The selected candidate will be appointed at the rank of Assistant Instructional Professor, Associate Instructional Professor, or Instructional Professor, depending on qualifications and educational background. The initial appointment will be for a minimum of two years, with longer initial terms possible depending on initial rank, with review and progression schedule determined by a collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Service Employees International Union.

Qualifications
Applicants must have advanced proficiency in Sanskrit and evidence of excellence in teaching Sanskrit at the university level. An M.A./MPhil degree or foreign equivalent degree is required. A Ph.D. in a related field is desirable. Preferred qualifications include proficiency in another South Asian language, advanced training in South Asian area studies, and specialized training in second-language pedagogy.

Responsibilities
Responsibilities include both teaching and service duties. Teaching normally consists of seven courses across three quarters, six of which are Sanskrit courses at the beginning and intermediate levels of the language. One additional course may include non-language offerings in the College Core or in the Department of South Asian Languages and Civilizations, to be determined in consultation with the Department and College. There may also be an opportunity to teach occasional courses in another South Asian language, depending on departmental need as well as the ability and experience of the selected candidate. Service duties may include advising undergraduate theses, teaching independent studies, and engaging in outreach, or other program-specific duties. Instructional Professors of all ranks are required to engage in regular professional development.

Application Instructions
To apply for this position, please submit your application through the University of Chicago’s Academic Recruitment website at http://apply.interfolio.com/112938. An application must include:

  • a cover letter;
  • curriculum vitae;
  • a teaching statement;
  • one sample syllabus for a Sanskrit language course at the beginning or intermediate level;
  • a second sample syllabus for a non-language course; and
  • the names and contact information of three references who can supply letters of recommendation upon request.

Application deadline: All applicant materials must be received by January 9th 2023. Candidates may be asked to provide additional materials following the initial review.

This position is contingent upon budgetary approval. The terms and conditions of employment for this position are covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Service Employees International Union. For information on the Department of South Asian Languages and Civilizations, please visit https://salc.uchicago.edu/. For questions about the position, please contact Tracy Davis.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. The University’s Statements on Diversity are at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.