Comparing Anew

Monday, January 12, 2009 to Monday, March 30, 2009

Comparison. It is basic to the detection of pattern and fundamental to the production of meaning. It is also rich in philosophical, political and ethical implications, particularly in our modern globalizing world. Although comparative theorizing was central to anthropology, sociology, linguistics and the study of religion for most of their histories, comparison as such fell out of favor in the 1970s. Localism, contextualism, and complete constructivism came to dominate academic discourse, as — perhaps not accidentally — religious fundamentalism and a disturbing balkanization took over the national and geopolitical scenes. Understandably, there are calls now for a return to a renewed and deepened comparative practice that can offer some answers to this crisis of meaning and “read the world anew.” This series of lectures, featuring four accomplished intellectuals, is offered as a moment in the answer to that call.