Table of Contents

Introduction: Intercultural Philosophical Approach and Cultural Presuppositions Part I. Western Theories and Cultural Presuppositions 1. Classical Theories of Western Philosophy of Religion: A Brief Examination of their Foundations 2. Contemporary Western Theories of Religion: An Analysis of their Presuppositions Part II. Chinese Cultural Presuppositions: Interrelatedness as Sameness in Chinese Religions and Philosophies 3. Zhu Xi’s Meaning of the Good (shan) and its Practice: A Hermeneutical Study of Ethical Interrelatedness as Organic and Moral Growth 4. Chan Monk-scholar Qisong’s Meaning of the Sameness (tong) and its Practice: Ethical Interrelatedness as Interaction between Heart-mind and Names Part III. Ethical Interrelatedness 5. A Philosophical Theory for Chinese Religions Part IV. Contemporary Approaches to Chinese Religious Traditions 6. A Comparative Perspective: Similarities and Differences Conclusion Bibliography Index

Promotional Information

Examines Confucian and Buddhist theoretical developments that evolved in Chinese thought over time, developing a new interpretive theory for the study of Chinese religions.

About the Author

Diana Arghirescu is Lecturer in the Department of Philosophy and Research Director of the Observatoire de l’Asie de l’Est at the University of Québec at Montreal, Canada.

Reviews

Interrelatedness in Chinese Religious Traditions is as timely as it is intelligent. In many different ways Diana Arghirescu seeks to turn old habits of thinking on their head: philosophy’s condescension to religion is challenged by a holistic Asian philosophico-religiousness, the privileging of potted methodologies is challenged by a comparative cultural hermeneutics that emerges from the specificity of praxis, the oppressiveness of Enlightenment rationality is challenged by the reciprocity and inclusiveness of intracultural dialogue.
*Roger T. Ames, Humanities Chair Professor, Peking University, China*

A beacon, this book exposes the conceits of the modern theory of religions for understanding nonwestern religions. The author’s comparative reading of two Song Chinese sacred texts reveals interrelational underpinnings that defy the Procrustean bed of the theory of religions. Intriguingly, the author detects a subtle dialogue between the Chan and Confucian traditions in the two texts that suggests a new intercultural dialogue approach to religious studies, one that respects nonwestern religious traditions.
*Kirill O. Thompson, Professor of Philosophy, National Taiwan University, Taiwan*

[A] comprehensive exploration ... [T]he book offers a unique perspective on Chinese philosophy and expanding the canon of non-Euro-American sources in professional philosophy. This intercultural approach bridges the gap between Western and Chinese perspectives, enabling a deeper interpretation of Chinese religious practices within their cultural context.
*Religious Studies Review*

[An Intercultural Philosophy] offers a fresh viewpoint on comparative, cross-cultural, and intercultural philosophy. ... [T]he book successfully highlights the interconnectedness of Chinese religions using the original texts of Qisong and Zhu Xi.
*Reading Religion*