Encyclopedia of Asian Philosophy - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0415172810 ISBN 13: 9780415172813

Publisher: Routledge, 2001

Synopsis

Incorporating cultural and religious contexts, this unique Encyclopedia provides a vital guide to the main concepts and thinkers in Asian philosophy - starting with Abhidharma and ending with Zurvan. The main philosophical trends and thinkers in each geographical area are featured, with an emphasis on endtemporary developments and movements. The A-Z structured encyclopedia emphasizes that Asian philosophy is not merely an ancient form of thought but that it is a living philosophy, with roots in the past, and also a potent and animate presence today. This translates into the reciprocal exchange of theories between Eastern and Western thinking, for example of new schools of thought such as orientalism. Requiring no prior knowledge of philosophy, religion or Asian cultures, this book is essential reading for students, teachers and the interested individual who wishes to gain an understanding of the philosophical basis to Asian cultural systems.

About this title

About the Author

Oliver Leaman is Professor of Philosophy at University of Kentucky and was a section editor on the multi volume Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy and contributed to the Companion Encyclopedia of Asian Philosophy.

Reviews

The reference literature for Asian philosophy is scant, probably because philosophy and religion are viewed in the West as more inextricably linked in Asian cultures. Many reference works address Asian religious traditions, but the Encyclopedia of Asian Philosophy aims to treat only philosophy, including "religion only in so far as it relates to philosophy."

Alphabetically arranged entries are signed by the scholars who wrote them and conclude with bibliographies. They range from ancient times through the twentieth century and include individuals (Gandhi, Mencius), schools of thought (Kagyu school, Yoga), texts (Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads), and concepts (Free will, Subject and object). Topics are drawn from the traditions of Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Shinto, and Zoroastrianism and cover the geographic areas of China, India, Japan, Korea, Melanesia, and Tibet. Given their proximity to Asia as well as their experience with indigenous cultures, there are entries for Australia and New Zealand, too. There is also coverage of Western influence on Asian philosophy, an example being Western learning in Japan. Extensive cross-referencing and see also recommendations are used throughout. The encyclopedia begins with a lengthy general bibliography and a thematic outline of entries by religious tradition and geographic area and ends with separate name and subject indexes.

Two other sources treat Asian philosophy fairly exclusively. The first is the Companion Encyclopedia of Asian Philosophy (Routledge, 1997). Its drawback is that it consists of lengthy, thematic essays and not discrete entries. Key Concepts in Eastern Philosophy (Routledge, 1999) follows a dictionary-like format, but compared to this new encyclopedia, the entries are fewer in number and shorter in length, with no individuals treated in separate entries. The Encyclopedia of Asian Philosophy is a valuable resource for readers interested in both Western and Asian philosophy, Asian religions, and Asian culture and civilization and is recommended for academic and large public libraries. RBB
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Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0415172810
• ISBN 13: 9780415172813
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 704
• Editor: Leaman Oliver