Kristianto, B: Intellectual Crossroads

Human beings have struggled to discover the most proper way of relating themselves with the world. The problem is more philosophical and metaphysical rather than practical or technical. It is located in the center of human thinking itself, i.e. the fundamental understanding of what they comprehend as the world, nature, and universe. A specific philosophical formulation that can be the foundation to comprehend the world and what it means to human beings, and how to ideally relate with it, is crucially needed. This book analyzes the philosophical ideas of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Martin Heidegger, and the Native American people in North America. The analysis of each philosophy is concentrated on how the world is perceived and in what manner(s) human beings should relate with the world. The research demonstrates that man should relate with the world on the basis of reciprocity, consanguinity, intimacy, and inter-relationship with the world in which harmony and balance are the goals and the guiding principles. Those interested in finding out about the intellectual crossroads between Western philosophy and indigenous thought will definitely find the discussion in this book insightful.