Humanism in Intercultural Perspective

This book is a breakthrough in illuminating humanism. For the first time it is presented in an intercultural perspective. It introduces Chinese, Indian, African, Islamic, and Western traditions into the intercultural discussion about basic issues of understanding the human world. By this means it recognizes different disciplinary perspectives: history, philosophy as well as religious, literary and gender studies. Special emphasis is put on the controversial relationship between humanism and religion. This complex network of argumentations is an answer to the challenge of cultural orientation at the age of globalization. Humanism is brought to life as a synthesis of transcultural values and a mutual and critical recognition of cultural differences.

Jörn Rüsen (Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c.), Senior Fellow at the Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities in Essen, was Head of the Project »Humanism in the Age of Globalization. An Intercultural Dialogue on Humanity, Culture, and Values«. He is Professor em. for General History and Historical Culture at the University of Witten/Herdecke. Henner Laass (Dr. phil.), Teacher of English and History at the Hibernia-School in Herne, is Assistant at the Project »Humanism in the Age of Globalization. An Intercultural Dialogue on Humanity, Culture, and Values«.