Translation as a Philosophical Method: A Postcomparative Take on the Universality-Particularity Tension

Vytis Silius

doi:10.4312/as.2022.10.3.59-80

Authors

Vytis SILIUS Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2953-6752

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4312/as.2022.10.3.59-80

Keywords:

postcomparative philosophy, comparison, translation as method, universality, particularity

Abstract

The article aims for a critical reflection on the practices and methodology of the so-called comparative philosophy. It starts from an observation that the recent successful developments in comparative philosophy nevertheless have a very limited impact outside the discipline. The article argues that a specific universality-particularity tension is to blame. Because “comparison” as a method also inherently displays this tension, and thus cannot overcome it, the article suggests seeing translation as a method of philosophical thinking. It is argued that this constitutes a postcomparative take on universality-particularity tension and a postcomparative response to the need for a more culturally inclusive academic philosophy. The advantages of looking at translation as a core methodological stance in intercultural postcomparative philosophy are suggested.

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