Across the Ancient Philosophical World (Essays in Comparative Philosophy) by Alfredo P. Co

In these essays composed by a wide-ranging scholar/philosopher and man of faith we can learn much about the major cultures of the world, about their uniqueness, and what their members share as human beings. This would be enough in itself, but Alfredo Co offers us much more: meditations on such topics as transcendence in cross-cultural perspectives, on comparative patterns of evangelization—and laughter. All in all these essays constitute a testimonial to a splendid life of scholarship, teaching, and piety, which I am confident many others will enjoy reading as much as I did. — Henry Rosemont Jr., Brown University

This outstanding volume contains a groundbreaking investigation into the theoretical and cultural exchanges since the "axial age." Through his impressive erudition, which all cultivated readers will enjoy page after page. Prof. Co provides an in-depth contribution to the international scholarship in comparative philosophy and culture. He sets a new paradigm for understanding the origins of fundamental social expressions, religious convictions, and political underpinnings across ancient civilizations. The transcendent and mundane dimensions of human life are articulated in a way that sheds new light on the multiple ways in which the human condition has been conceptualized between East and West, and how intellectuals of various origins have exchanged views since antiquity. — Luca Maria Scarantino, Fédération Internationale des Sociétés de Philosophie

As testament to years of serious philosophical engagement with intercultural dialogue, the papers collected and organized in this book constitute a harvest of comparative philosophical works on Western, Indian, and Chinese thought-traditions. This is a most intriguing treatise that cuts across almost universally recognized themes such as human spirituality, landscape and culture, religion, society, politics, and the human pursuit of happiness and transcendence…, so differently, yet accordingly expressed, that each tradition is able to emerge with its distinct and equally compelling standpoint. Alfredo Co is admirably positive, penetrating, and thoughtful in this book as he is in all his writings. — Vincent Shen, University of Toronto