Moeller, Hans-Georg (Hrsg.): Wisdom and Philosophy: Contemporary and Comparative Approaches

Wisdom and Philosophy: Contemporary and Comparative Approaches questions the nature of the relationship between wisdom and philosophy from an intercultural perspective. Bringing together an international mix of respected philosophers, this volume discusses similarities and differences of Western and Asian pursuits of wisdom and reflects on attempts to combine them. Contributors cover topics such as Confucian ethics, the acquisition of wisdom in pre-Qin literature and anecdotes of stupidity in the classical Chinese tradition, while also addressing contemporary topics such as global Buddhism and analytic metaphysics. Providing original examples of comparative philosophy, contributors look at ideas and arguments of thinkers such as Confucius, Zhuangzi and Zhu Xi alongside the work of Aristotle, Plato and Heidegger. Presenting Asian perspectives on philosophy as practical wisdom, Wisdom and Philosophy is a rare intercultural inquiry into the relation between wisdom and philosophy. It provides new ways of understanding how wisdom connects to philosophy and underlines the need to reintroduce it into philosophy today.This book makes a unique and timely contribution to the growing literature in comparative global philosophy. Through focus on the theme of wisdom, the collection provides significant insight into some of the most crucial and divisive questions for philosophy across the ages, and, of particular relevance for philosophy in a global context, namely; what is philosophy, and what should or might it be? The contributions, from both seasoned and rising international experts, bring to light a diverse range of perspectives on the theme of wisdom, thus providing the reader with a snapshot of important developments across the field. Overall, the book makes for a fascinating compilation and consolidation of important ideas. One would be wise to read it.