Session 3: Interculturalism East/West

Session 3: Interculturalism East/West
Chair: Tony Gallagher

The Mediterranean and Asia: a History of their Intercultural Encounters and of Related Issues in Comparative Philosophy
Lenart Skof
University of Primorska , Science and Research Centre Koper, Institute for Mediterranean Humanities and Social Studies, Koper, Slovenia

One of the most interesting topics related to the history of intercultural encounters is the question of those between ancient Greek and ancient Indian thought and any consequent influences. The history of interactions between the Mediterranean area (Ancient Greece) and Asia (the Near East, Persia, and India) provides a number of opportunities for the application of various approaches and models proposed by intercultural and comparative philosophers. According to R.A. Mall, interculturalism is a fundamental conception in contemporary European philosophy. However, it was comparative philosophy, which emerged within the 19th century European tradition (i.e., romantics, Schopenhauer) and was established and developed in the 20th century (Deussen, Masson-Oursel etc.), that provided methodological foundations for the concept of interculturalism, which was integrated into the development of the European intercultural conscience and thinking.
In our paper, we will first examine historical perspectives on the Mediterranean-Asian cultural and potential philosophical contacts (Sedlar, Kartunnen), and will then provide a critical overview of various comparative models that could be used as foundations for contemporary intercultural analyses. First we will focus on the very beginnings of philosophy in Ancient Greece (Hesiod) and in Ancient India (late Rgvedic hymns) – i.e., on the cosmogonical question. Further on, we will analyse potential influences and/or similarities between Anaximenes and some major Upanishadic thinkers. Using comparative models, we will highlight and evaluate their potential interactions – from historical/direct contacts, through indirect contacts, to parallels in their respective thought. Finally, we will evaluate the importance of those historical and comparative models for contemporary issues in intercultural philosophy.
Our aim is to examine historical and theoretical-methodological issues in the philosophical span between Europe and Asia (i.e., in the context of the very beginnings of philosophy in Greece and India ), and finally we assert that interculturalism had, has, and will continue to have an important function within philosophical thinking.

East Asia in the Art of Roy Lichtenstein
Karen Bandlow
Department of Art History, University of Heidelberg, Germany

As early as the 1970s the American art historian Wen Fong emphasized the importance of East Asian art for the culture of the United States – that it is increasingly becoming “an integral part of our own expanding cultural legacy”. Through globalization, the tendency toward a hybridization of East and West is increasing in contemporary art throughout the world. Even an icon of American Pop Art like Roy Lichtenstein was inspired by East Asian art. As Lichtenstein’s work is usually associated with blond cartoon girls and motifs from the world of advertising, one may be surprised to find in his art connections with classical Chinese landscape painting, delicate fans and handmade Japanese paper. The constant engagement with the work of other artists and cultures is a major characteristic of the art of Roy Lichtenstein. The fact that not only the engagement with his own – i.e., western – culture is important for the work of Roy Lichtenstein, but also a concern with East Asian culture, has not received any scholarly attention so far.
In my presentation I will examine those works of Roy Lichtenstein that are related to East Asia and discuss their motivation and formation. This will allow insights into the complex work of an artist who also uses non-western art and culture, intensively engages with it, is inspired by it, all with a view towards achieving a new understanding and creating something new. He does not make pseudo-Asian copies, but unique works of his own. Lichtenstein takes East Asian art and culture as a source of inspiration, combines many different aspects – and transforms them in such a way, that in the end, he always creates a genuine, unmistakable “Lichtenstein”. From his work one learns less about East Asian art than about the way it is perceived in the West. Humorously, Lichtenstein plays with the clichés entertained by the Western viewer, consciously integrating them into his work.

South East Asia and Independent Travelers
Samantha Chen
Richmond, California, USA

Independent travelers (backpackers/budget travelers) from developed nations are culturally and economically influential in South East Asia. While package tours and upscale tourists frequent well-trodden destinations, independent travelers seek off-the beaten track sights and gravitate towards basic local establishments. The relative simplistic form of travel stimulates an infrastructure for backpackers in South East Asia. Popular backpacker destinations provide an impetus for locals to establish tour operators, restaurants, accommodations, etc. to meet the needs of the growing economic sector. Consequently, it is not uncommon for small towns and villages to depend on tourism as a main source of income.
Cultural misunderstandings and miscommunication between locals and independent travelers are common. English is the common language between locals and independent travelers. However, many locals in the tourism business speak rudimentary English while a significant number of travelers speak English as a second language nor comprehend the local language. Therefore ideas, mannerisms and lifestyles are easily misunderstood. More importantly, the omnipresent dichotomy separates the locals and backpackers into distinct groups with incomprehensible differences.
Many independent travelers choose to view South East Asia as a region which is “simple” and less hectic than developed nations. Quite often backpackers would deem a place as “spoiled” if any trace of development is evident. Many choose to only allow only the image of “primitive” locals as authentic. Conversely, many locals in the tourist industry catered to backpackers believe tourism is their path to development.
Tourism is one of the largest industries in the world and modern technology and transportation enables different nationalities to physically meet and interact. However, with the myriad of cultures in the world, fostering understanding requires a realistic understanding and view of different groups through mutual respect.