Cross Currents

Philosophy begins with a question. The same question is often asked in different languages. Comparative philosophy is a project that engages thinkers from all areas of the world and approaches common problems from different perspectives. The conversations look at not only interactions between cultures, but also the relationships among humans, animals, and nature. But the many languages and unfamiliar terms can seem intimidating even to those with formal philosophical training. This book provides an approachable survey of current topics from some of the newest comparative philosophers as they enter the field. Arising out of a graduate student philosophy conference at the University of Hawai'i, these selected papers were revised to respond to the suggestions and challenges presented during the conference. For this volume, foreign terms are translated, and introductions and editors' notes give context to the individual chapters. Ignoring the traditional divisions of academic philosophy, this anthology focuses rather on the common search for answers by bringing thinkers from what are labeled "eastern" and "western" philosophy into conversation with one another as members of the global community.