What are the similarities and differences in the philosophical developments in Africa, the Americas, and Asia?
I have this question to answer for a class discussion. I am having a really hard time with this one. I have read my reading and not really getting anywhre. If you could give me some advice or somewhere to start, that would be great. Thanks!
These sites may help you.
http://www.rep.routledge.com/article/Z018
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_philosophy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_culture#Philosophy
http://www.iep.utm.edu/a/american.htm
My best suggestion is that you make a list of the various philosophies and religions that can be attributed to people on each continent you've named and then research them. For example, in Asia, there is/was Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, etc.
Research them at http://www.google.com, as well as at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page
At Wikipedia, there are usually sections at the bottom of each page for further references -- See also, References, External links. Be sure to take advantage of them, too.
=)
When comparing the philosophical developments in Africa, the Americas, and Asia, it's important to understand the historical and cultural contexts of each region. While it can be challenging to find specific resources that directly compare all three regions, you can still approach this question by identifying some general similarities and differences.
To start, here are a few suggestions on how you can approach your research:
1. Begin by researching the philosophical traditions of each region separately. Study the key philosophical ideas, thinkers, and schools of thought in Africa, the Americas, and Asia. This will give you a foundation to understand the unique contributions of each region.
2. Look for common themes or principles shared among these traditions. Explore concepts such as ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and social and political philosophy. Identify any similar concerns or questions that were addressed across these regions.
3. Examine the influences and interactions between these regions. Consider the impact of cultural exchange, trade routes, and historical events that might have facilitated the transfer of philosophical ideas. Explore how each region might have influenced the others.
4. Use comparative philosophy as a framework. Comparative philosophy focuses on identifying similarities and differences between different philosophical traditions. Utilize this approach to analyze the philosophical developments in Africa, the Americas, and Asia, and examine how these traditions both converge and diverge.
5. Consult scholarly resources such as books, academic journals, and reputable online databases. Explore works that specifically address comparative philosophy or those that focus on the philosophical traditions of each region individually. Look for articles or books that provide insights into how the philosophical developments in these regions relate to each other.
Remember, the goal of your research is to highlight the similarities and differences among these regions' philosophical developments. Make sure to provide evidence and examples to support your observations and conclusions.
Good luck with your class discussion!