The Purpose of Cross-Cultural Philosophy

Cross-cultural philosophy does not lead to the creation of a new

philosophical tradition, that is the job of world philosophy. Comparative
Philosophy—sometimes called cross-cultural philosophy—is a subfield of
philosophy in which philosophers work on problems by intentionally setting
into dialogue sources from across cultural, linguistic, and philosophical
streams (Littlejohn, n.d.). The study of cross-cultural philosophy, otherwise
known as comparative philosophy is done for the purpose of gaining clarity
regarding specific issues with philosophical thoughts from across philosophical
traditions. In this sense, cross-cultural philosophy does not lead to the
creation of a synthesis of philosophical traditions. What it does is initiate a
conversation between philosophers through a newly learned language.
Cross-cultural or Comparative Philosophy is distinct from world
philosophy. As already mentioned, what cross-cultural or comparative
philosophy does is create a discussion between philosophers who wish to seek
clarification concerning the meaning of some philosophical traditions. It does
not, in any way, try to create a synthesis of the different philosophical
perspectives being compared, that is the task of world philosophy. As stated
by Littlejohn in his essay, world philosophy can be described as an attempt at
constructive philosophy that considers the wide range of philosophical
perspectives and practices found across human cultures and attempts to knit
them into something like a cohesive worldview.
Cross-cultural or Comparative Philosophy generates new knowledge,
not just for philosophers who are experts in this field, but even for common
people who seek to grasp what certain philosophical perspectives mean
through a comparative study. Certainly, something can be understood
differently through another lens. In this sense, comparative philosophy
provides for better and/or newer comprehension of ideas through comparison.
Just like comparing hot and cold temperatures, the nature of the two can be
better understood by way of comparing them. However, if only the idea of
“hot” is known to someone, the fullness of its nature and aspects cannot be
fully understood, hence the need for it to be compared with something that is
distinct in nature. Moreover, studying philosophical perspectives other than
what is already familiar helps in gaining new knowledge. And can even lead
someone to understand the world differently.
Anchoring to Littlejohn (n.d.), cross-cultural philosophy or Comparative
philosophy does not contribute to the development of a fusion of philosophical
traditions, as what world philosophy does. It is not a new philosophy that is
being created, but rather a new type of philosopher. A philosopher that has
gained new knowledge extracted from the various philosophical traditions that
have been compared in the hopes of gaining clarity concerning the said
philosophical views. Comparative philosophy aims to learn a new language, a
new way of speaking. The comparative philosopher inhabits not so much both
of the standpoints described by the belief systems upon which he derives as
he inhabits an evolving standpoint that is separate from both of them and
therefore creatively a theoretical framework for understanding the human
consciousness.