Derrida and Indian Philosophy

by Harold Coward

This book establishes a constructive and mutually stimulating dialogue between Jacques Derrida and Eastern thought. Surprising parallels are found with some traditional Indian philosophies of language, especially with the Hindu philosopher Bhartrhari, and with the Chinese Taoists. Conversely, the views of SAankara and Nagarjuna on language definitely differ from those of Derrida.

Derrida and Indian Philosophy builds a bridge by which traditional Eastern views on language can engage the latest in modern Western thought. It also shows that our understanding of Derrida can be enhanced when his thought is approached from an Eastern perspective on language.

Genres: Philosophy

Hardcover

First published October 1, 1990

About the author

Harold G. Coward is a professor emeritus of history and the founding director of the Centre for Studies in Religion and Society at the University of Victoria. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. He served as president of the Canadian Society for the Study of Religion and was the founding editor of the Journal for Hindu-Christian Studies and editor of the WLU Press series The Study of Religion in Canada. He has authored twenty books along with many edited books, chapters and articles. His publications include Scripture in the World Religions (2002), Mantra: Hearing the Divine in India and America (2004), and The Perfectibility of Human Nature in Eastern and Western Thought (2008).

Reviews

[Jessica Zu · Rating 4 out of 5]

the war between the oral and the writ rages on!

[Thomas Chong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just checked this out from the library. The book is accessible to those with cursory knowledge of Derrida and Indian philosophy, but for those without this knowledge or interest, there is no reason to pick it up.