HARMONIZING PERSPECTIVES: ADVANCING INTERCULTURAL PHILOSOPHY TO BRIDGE THE EAST-WEST PHILOSOPHICAL DIVIDE

Abstract

In the realm of philosophy and philosophy of science, the East-West dichotomy has been a long-standing framework through which people ascribe cultural identities to philosophical traditions. This division delineates the cultural hemispheres, categorizing them into Eastern and Western paradigms. However, the concept of interculturality challenges the notion of cultural purity, whether in religion, philosophy, or scientific concepts, viewing it as a fictional construct. Instead, interculturality emphasizes the common cultural inclinations that necessitate cross-disciplinary comparisons in all scientific fields. It rejects absolutist views rooted in any single philosophical tradition, thereby expanding philosophy beyond narrow mono-cultural boundaries. In the contemporary landscape, our interconnected global society demands cross-cultural foundations, understanding, and awareness. Interculturality in philosophy is not confined to any single culture; rather, it transcends cultural boundaries while enriching the diversity of human thought. This article addresses three key objectives. Firstly, it provides a concise conceptual clarification of intercultural philosophy. Secondly, it delves into the causes of the Eastern-Western scientific divide. Lastly, it explores the existence of interculturality between these two traditions and proposes interculturality as a harmonizing solution to bridge the existing East-West philosophical gap.