Comparative Philosophy and Method: Contemporary Practices and Future Possibilities

Addressing arguments that comparative philosophy is itself impossible, or that it is indistinguishable from philosophy more generally, this collection challenges myopic understandings of comparative method and encourages a more informed consideration. Bringing together a wide variety of methodological options, it features scholars spread across the globe representing multiple philosophical traditions. From the beginnings of comparative philosophy in the 19th century to present-day proposals for more global philosophy departments, every chapter serves as a viable methodological alternative for any would-be philosophical comparativist. With contributions from leading comparativists that are both distinctive in their method and explicit about its application, this valuable resource challenges and enriches the awareness and sensitivity of the beginning comparativist and seasoned veteran alike.

Table of Contents:
Introduction, Steven Burik (Singapore Management University, Singapore), Robert Smid (Curry College in Milton, USA) and Ralph Weber (University of Basel, Switzerland) Constellation 1: Necessary Conditions 1. Reflections on Methods of Comparative Philosophy, Robert C. Neville (Boston University, USA) 2. Necessary Preconditions of the Practice of Comparative Philosophy, Lin Ma (Renmin University of China, China) and Jaap van Brakel (University of Leuven, Belgium) Constellation 2: Generalization and Essentialization 3. Unloading the Essentialism Charge: Some Methodological Reflections in Doing Philosophy of Culture, Roger T. Ames (University of Hawai’i, USA) 4. From the Écart to the Unfamiliar: Thinking Paths—Reference Points, François Jullien (University of Paris, France) Constellation 3: Translation 5. Translation as Method, Souleymane Bachir Diagne (Columbia University, USA) 6. Thinking along with Texts from Afar. Why One Doesn’t Understand Texts without Philosophical Reflection and Can’t Do Philosophy without Inspiration, Elisa Freschi (University of Toronto, Canada) Constellation 4: Postcolonialism and Globalization 7. Reflections for Comparative Method from a Latin American Philosophical Perspective, Gabriel Soldatenko (Kennesaw State University, USA) 8. Why Philosophy Needs Sanskrit, Now More than Ever, Jonardon Ganeri (University of Toronto, Canada) 9. Global Post-Comparative Philosophy as Just Philosophy, Arindam Chakrabarti (University of Hawai'i, USA) and Ralph Weber (University of Basel, Switzerland) Constellation 5: Plurality, Neutrality, and Method 10. On the Taming of Comparison: Methodological Myopathy, Plurality, and Creativity, Robert Smid (Curry College in Milton, USA) 11. Comparative Philosophy without Method: A Plea for Minimal Constraints, Steven Burik (Singapore Management University, Singapore) 12. Two Problems of Comparative Philosophy: Why Conversational Thinking is a veritable Methodological Option, Jonathan O. Chimakonam (University of Pretoria, South Africa) and Amara E. Chimakonam, (University of Johannesburg, South Africa) Epilogue Index

About the Author :
Steven Burik is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Singapore Management University, Singapore. Robert Smid is Associate Professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Curry College, USA. Ralph Weber is Associate Professor of European Global Studies at University of Basel, Switzerland.

Review :
One of the great advantages of comparative philosophy is that it allows multiple perspectives to inform our thought. One of the great advantages of this volume is that it brings multiple perspectives to bear on comparative philosophy itself, demonstrating the complexity, the value, and the manifold nature of the comparative approach. A truly illuminating showcase of diverse methodological reflections in comparative philosophy. With contributors from varied philosophical and cultural traditions, this volume will spark rigorous debates and provide a useful guide to methodological concerns in the field. Essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the main challenges of comparative philosophy today and the diverse approaches that philosophers from around the world have developed to meet them.