A Philosophy of Comparisons: Theory, Practice and the Limits of Ethics.

"A Philosophy of Comparisons: Theory, Practice and the Limits of Ethics" explores the philosophical aspects of comparison, which is often overlooked in the humanities. The book examines the challenges and criticisms faced by comparative religion and comparative theology, and delves into the ethical and political dilemmas surrounding comparison. It argues that a general theory of comparisons is impossible due to the context-sensitive nature of comparisons. The author engages with philosophers such as Immanuel Kant, Ludwig Wittgenstein, and Richard Rorty to test the practical implications of comparison. The book also discusses the moral difficulties and tensions involved in making comparisons, using J.M. Coetzee's novel "Elizabeth Costello" as a case study. While the author acknowledges the difficulties of comparison, they emphasize the importance of refining the process rather than abandoning it. Overall, the book offers a valuable contribution to the philosophy of language and ethics. [Extracted from the article]