Buddhisms and Deconstructions

This collection of essays reflects decades of important developments in dialogue between Buddhism, postmodern thought, and reveals their relevance to one another and to the future philosophical reflection, East or West. –John Makransky, Boston College
Up until recently, east-west comparison philosophy was a collection of sporadic gestures that were marked by an inequity in the way the western and eastern ideas were presented. The historical and socio-political relationship between the west and east was partly responsible for the failure of this pattern. This pattern was also influenced by the philosophical orientation of the west’s continental metaphysical thinking as well as the nature of modernity and enlightenment. This practice is not likely to disappear completely, but it would be premature. A new direction in comparative philosophy is certainly on the horizon, with the rise of non-substantialist western philosophy. With its recognition of the plurality both of buddhist traditions as well as deconstructive philosophy in Buddhisms and Deconstructions, it is an attempt at marking such a shift. These thirteen essays, which are a testament to a new relationship between Eastern thought and Western thought, broaden our understanding of each philosophical tradition, and offer a new framework.