Beyond Orientalism: The Work of Wilhelm Halbfass and its Impact on Indian and Cross-Cultural Studies

The ground plan for the present volume is unique in Indological studies. Twenty-three scholars from seven countries were invited to respond to issues elaborated in one or more of Wilhelm Halbfass’ own critical essays on Edward Said’s Orientalism and related topics. The individual contributions are grouped under four headings: Cross-Cultural Encounter and Dialogue, Issues of Comparative Philosophy, Topics in Classical Indian Philosophy, and Indian Religion, Past and Present. The largest number of papers center on or touch upon topics dealt with in India and Europe. Tradition and Reflection forms the subject matter and starting point of the second largest group of papers. One paper offers significant supplementary observations on the conception of Karman. On Being and What There Is has caught the attention of three contributors. Two authors take specific observations in the book as the starting point of their own related investigations and reflections, whereas another author examines in very broad and substantial manner whether the question of Being was at all addressed in Indian philosophy. Only three contributors specifically respond to On Being and What There Is. One contributor presents with his fundamental reflections on a comparative history of world philosophy.

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