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World Philosophy

Because of longstanding collection strengths in area studies as well as because of disciplinary trends recognizing philosophers outside of the traditional western canon, the Penn Libraries have a significant amount of material relating to philosophy and philosophers in East Asia, South Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

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Collection Strengths

Philosophy associated with major thought systems such as Confucianism, Buddhism and Islam are collected in English, European and Area specific languages.  Both historically significant and contemporary works are purchased, as are Western interpretations and scholarship.  World Philosophy extends beyond purely 'philosophical' material to include works in the fields such as Religious Studies and the History of Science.

Collections of original texts published over hundreds of years are available in the Area Studies collections and in the Kislak Center.  Some of this material has been digitized.

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Manuscript used for contemplation and study; a treatise on Hindu philosophy whose title is translated as Light on painting; compares the creation of the universe with that of a painting, written from the perspective of the Advaita (non-dualism).

The Libraries publish scholarly work in European and non-European languages related to interpretations and analyses of World Philosophy.

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Authoritative collection surveying the teachings of Confucius and his importance throughout Chinese history. Edited by Penn Professor Paul R. Goldin.

Resources Described in Franklin

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