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Books

World Philosophies by Ninian Smart

Joseph Sen reviews a new book on the world’s philosophies.

This book has a reason for its existence. As we engage in a more and more global philosophical debate the distinctive contribution each culture has to make needs to be kept in clear view. With this in mind Ninian Smart has sought to remind us of the diverse riches of our reflective heritage – especially as this extends beyond Europe.

Smart attempts to do this by adopting a view of philosophical activity pliable enough to encompass both the making of world views and the questioning of prevailing beliefs and values. These creative and critical functions are compatible since world-views (‘philosophies’) often emerge as the result of questioning (‘philosophising’).

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