Thomas P. Kasulis is University Distinguished Scholar and Professor Emeritus in Comparative Studies at the Ohio State University, where he has taught in the departments of comparative studies, philosophy, and East Asian studies.
Kasulis has done us an immense service in reminding us that
philosophy is not 'the view from nowhere' but is rooted in cultural
assumptions and that those assumptions influence both what is
observed and what is concluded from what is observed. He chooses
one particular axis of difference, intimacy vs. integrity, and
shows us how in many contexts these two starting points lead to
very different views, not only cross-culturally but in other areas
as well. He provides the additional service of showing that
recognition of cultural difference does not lead to relativism
about truth. All in all, an extremely valuable book that should
interest a wide audience.--Robert N. Bellah
This bold work, from a philosopher long at home in both Western and
East Asian thinking, tackles head-on the urgent need of our time:
how to evaluate fundamental differences between cultures. As a
master teacher, Kasulis shows us how our language and style of
analysis bring into relief different groups with whom we interact.
He trains us to move gracefully from one mode of orientation to
another, adapting to the cultural company we keep. Given the stakes
in today's world, this invitation to deeper, more fruitful
relationships among cultures demands our full attention.--Lawrence
E. Sullivan
This is a truly pathbreaking work in the field of cross-cultural
philosophy. In choosing the two ideas of intimacy and integrity in
their various connotations and reiterations, Kasulis provides a
pair of effective instruments with which to examine the genuine
differences that separate the world views and practices of
different cultures.--Graham Parkes
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