'The time has come for global philosophy to move beyond the model where the West is at the centre of radiating spokes of comparison.' Challenging the notion that Western philosophy is the best or only yardstick against which to judge the so-called 'non-Western' philosophies, Ram-Prasad sets up a lively debate in which the great thought systems of the East are engaged very much in their own terms. The author's impressive sweep takes him through South Asia east to China and Japan, encompassing 3000 years of philosophy and including the ancient philosophies of India, Jainism, Buddhism, Daoism and Confucianism. At the same time, Ram-Prasad dispels the romantic illusion that there is some common mystical 'wisdom tradition' that binds together the cultures of the East. His aim is to give a sense of the diversity and depth of these philosophical cultures, as well as their sophistication and originality; and to make comparisons between them to illuminate their varied yet potentially universal appeal.
Arvustused
it stands out as an achievement in the field of comparative philosophy. The intelligent arrangement of the book, and the clarity and charm of his writing, make Ram-Prasad's work one that is likely to endure... an insightful and subtle discussion... a thrilling array of possible answers... a first-rate writer of philosophy. - FINANCIAL TIMES
This little book is big on ideas. Sharpen your intellect and feed your mind with Eastern philosophical traditions to help you sharpen your awareness of life. - YOGA MAGAZINE
| Acknowlegements |
|
6 | (1) |
| Introduction |
|
7 | (5) |
|
Ultimate Questions and Answers |
|
|
12 | (40) |
|
|
|
52 | (36) |
|
|
|
88 | (27) |
|
|
|
115 | (30) |
|
|
|
145 | (32) |
|
|
|
177 | (34) |
|
|
|
211 | (32) |
| Glossary of Names and Schools |
|
243 | (9) |
| Further Reading |
|
252 | (2) |
| Index |
|
254 | |
Chakravarthi Ram-Prasad studied Politics, Sociology and History in India, and took a doctorate in Philosophy at Oxford. He has taught at the National University of Singapore and held Research Fellowships at Trinity College Oxford and Clare Hall, Cambridge. He has also been Visiting Fellow at Benares Hindu University, Ecole Francaise d' Extreme Orient, Pondicherry and De Nobili College, Pune. He has a range of interests in global and comparative philosophies, and is on the academic advisory council of the Global Religion and Ethics Forum, the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies and the Templeton Foundation's Global Perspective on Science and Spirituality Programme. He lectures regularly at universities in the USA, Europe and India.
