Asian Worldviews

More about the book

This book aims to introduce readers to the rich intellectual traditions of Asia, encompassing India, China, Japan, Korea, Tibet, and Southeast Asia, which have historically influenced one another and share significant aspects of their heritage. It serves as both an introductory textbook for future specialists and a resource for those interested in fields outside Asian studies, such as religious studies, Western philosophy, and political science. No prior knowledge of the region's history or cultures is required, and the text avoids specific debates while minimizing the use of names and terms. Just as familiarity with figures like St. Augustine, Aristotle, and Marx is expected in Western contexts, readers should also recognize key concepts and names presented in bold from various Asian perspectives. The book strives for balanced coverage across different teachings, schools, and figures typically included in introductory intellectual histories. Notably, it gives more attention to authors and ideas often overlooked in similar works, such as feminist theorists, ensuring a more comprehensive exploration of the intellectual landscape.