User Instructions

The Preface constitutes a single document, which should be read at the beginning of the course, in order to understand its objectives.

The Calcutta Lectures will expand the problems illustrated in the course in a more colloquial manner: they should be read at the end.

The central part of the course are the "Principles". They are illustrated in 34 "sutras".

The "sutra" system was conceived in ancient India as a method of retaining and presenting knowledge. Sutras are synthetic expressions, proceeding in a linear sequence, leading the learner gradually through the steps towards a deeper level of understanding.

Sutras are used here as "key sentences" that open the 34 logical pages of this course.

From each sutra, you can proceed to the next one, or you can "zoom-in" to have a closer look at the questions summarized by the sutra.

After the zoom-in, you can also confront the different approaches of the semantic and humanistic schools towards the issues presented.

The presentation of this manual is interactive, so you can choose your reading pattern. But we’d suggest you not to enter into the comparison between the two approaches before you have read, at least twice, the sequence of the sutras.

The text is condensed. There isn’t too much to read but you will probably need to read it many times and think about your reactions to it.

Your comments and queries are welcomed; please write to me at the following E-mail address: stedesantis@yahoo.co.uk

Enjoy the course!