Comparative Philosophy and Method

What does comparative philosophy entail? Who is qualified to undertake it? Under what conditions are its claims considered to be legitimate? 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 of method.

Bringing together as wide a variety of methodological options as is possible, it provides a sustained evaluation of the benefits and limitations of each approach. Featuring scholars from East Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and North America and representing a wide variety of philosophical traditions, each chapter presents a cutting-edge reflection on the latest work in methodology. From the beginnings of comparative philosophy among the ancient Chinese and Greeks up through the 19th century to present-day proposals for an Institute for Cosmopolitan Philosophy, 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 is a valuable resource in comparative methodology that challenges and enriches the awareness and sensitivity of both the beginning comparativist and seasoned veteran alike.