Derrida and Indian Philosophy

Harold Coward - Author Release Date: 10/16/1990ISBN: 0-7914-0499-4 - 200 pages

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 Sankara 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.

Table Of Contents
Acknowledgments
Introduction
1. Philosophy East and West
2. Derrida and Bhartrhari's Vakyapadiya on the Origin of Language
3. Derrida and Bhartrhari on Speech and Writing
4. Derrida and Sankara
5. Derrida and Aurobindo
6. Derrida and Nagarjuna
7. Conclusion

Harold Coward is Director of the Calgary Institute for the Humanities and Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Calgary. He is the author of Jung and Eastern Thought and Modern Indian Responses to Religious Pluralism, both published by SUNY Press.