A Comparative History of World Philosophy: From the Upanishads to Kant Paperback – February 27, 1998

This is the second work published in recent months that offers a comparison of Western philosophical tradition to those not Western in origin (see A Companion To World Philosophies, LJ 2/15/98). Unlike the latter work, however, which included African and Polynesian philosophy, Scharfstein's concentrates on Chinese, European, and Indian philosophy, perhaps because these three account for a majority of the world's cultures. Scharfstein (Tel Aviv Univ.) argues, quite correctly, that those who study Western philosophy can benefit greatly from a similar study of Indian and Chinese philosophical traditions. To this end, his book is divided into 12 thematic chapters, in which he examines each theme as it has developed in the three traditions, noting the parallels and divergences of each. Scharfstein has done a very thorough job of examining the three traditions, and unless a more comprehensive comparative history appears in the near future, this book should become a major resource for those engaged in comparative studies.ATerry C. Skeats, Bishop's Univ. Lib., Lennoxville, Quebec
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Should become a major resource for those engaged in comparative studies. Library Journal
Given the current interest in cultural diversity, this book could not have come at a better moment. Anyone teaching philosophy in this country is aware of his or her woeful ignorance of the philosophies of non-Western traditions. This book fills the gap, and provides copious references for further study. In short, the book is important in its own right, and, I suspect, ground-breaking. Ruth Anna Putnam, Wellesley College
Few individuals would be able to pull off the project Scharfstein has attempted, and to pull it off while employing such a depth and breadth of resources is even more impressive. He has produced a fresh-feeling text which well communicates the wisdom and balance characteristic of his other work. David L. Hall, University of Texas at El Paso
I must say when I first saw the table of contents for this work I thought the task that Professor Scharfstein set for himself of writing a comparative history of world philosophy as variations on common themes was impossible to fulfill, except in the most superficial way. I was, however, pleasantly surprised and delighted to find that his work is global in perspective and content without loss of attention to detail. It is written with great clarity and verve. The student and general reader (as well as his fellow professionals) will certainly share in the excitement of encounter with other traditions that the author himself so nicely exhibits. Eliot Deutsch, University of Hawaii at Manoa"

"Should become a major resource for those engaged in comparative studies." -- Library Journal

"Given the current interest in cultural diversity, this book could not have come at a better moment. Anyone teaching philosophy in this country is aware of his or her woeful ignorance of the philosophies of non-Western traditions. This book fills the gap, and provides copious references for further study. In short, the book is important in its own right, and, I suspect, ground-breaking." -- Ruth Anna Putnam, Wellesley College

"Few individuals would be able to pull off the project Scharfstein has attempted, and to pull it off while employing such a depth and breadth of resources is even more impressive. He has produced a fresh-feeling text which well communicates the wisdom and balance characteristic of his other work." -- David L. Hall, University of Texas at El Paso

"I must say when I first saw the table of contents for this work I thought the task that Professor Scharfstein set for himself of writing a comparative history of world philosophy as variations on common themes was impossible to fulfill, except in the most superficial way. I was, however, pleasantly surprised and delighted to find that his work is global in perspective and content without loss of attention to detail. It is written with great clarity and verve. The student and general reader (as well as his fellow professionals) will certainly share in the excitement of encounter with other traditions that the author himself so nicely exhibits." -- Eliot Deutsch, University of Hawaii at Manoa