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Book Review
Western philosophical classic in translation
S. REVATHY
PASCATYA TATTVASASTRA ITHIHASAH — The History of Western Philosophy in Sanskrit: P. Sri Ramachandrudu; Pub. by P. Subbalakshmi, “Nandanam” 7-1-32/4P-2 (892) Leela Nagar, Begumpet, Hyderabad-500016. Rs. 250.
This book is a verbatim Sanskrit translation of Frank Thilly’s History of Philosophy. It is indeed the first of its kind, and philosophers and English-knowing Sanskritists will be deeply grateful to Sri Ramachandrudu for having successfully accomplished it.
The vast experience he has gained as a teacher and his intimate acquaintance with the Western philosophical literature easily singles him out as one best equipped for translating it into Sanskrit. Translation is a special form of the basic interpretive process of “bringing to understanding.” Herein, one brings what is foreign, strange or unintelligible into the medium of one’s language. The translator mediates between one world and another.
Act of translation
This act of translation is not a simple mechanical matter of synonym-finding. It makes one aware of the fact that language itself contains an overarching interpretation of the world, to which the translator must be sensitive even as he translates individual expressions. It is only the words that actually shape our view of the world and our perceptions. Language is clearly a repository of cultural experience; we exist in and through this medium, and perceive through its eyes. By translating this work the author has contributed to the promotion of intercultural philosophy.
In the introduction the author has indicated the lines of demarcation between the East and the West philosophies, and has shown that Indian philosophy not only compares well with the best of Western philosophy but also excels it in some respects. His leaning towards the Indian philosophical tradition is also echoed therein.
The introduction both in Sanskrit and English is amazing as it brings several issues to the forefront. He clearly states why the work is not titled “Pascatya Darsana Itihasa” but as “Pascatya Tattvasastra Itihasa”, because the word “darsana” has limited scope while philosophy (tattvasastra) has a wider perspective. This book which is a faithful translation of the original English work is focused, impeccably scholarly, and philosophically illuminating. As in the original, it comprises three parts.
Accessible
Part I deals with Greek philosophy, the second with medieval philosophy and the third with modern philosophy. It is well known that the specific genres in Sanskrit varies enormously; it is not enough simply to know the language but one has to be highly competent in finding exact equivalents of philosophical concepts in Sanskrit. In this respect, the author has exhibited his uncanny ability to make the material come alive. For example words such as essentialism, hyzolism, existentialism, utilitarianism, humanitarianism have been given exact equivalents in Sanskrit. Even the sub-titles have been carefully translated to bring out the intention of the original author. Thus this work makes even the difficult concepts of Western philosophy accessible. A glossary of both English and Sanskrit words is provided at the end to facilitate easy understanding. Above all the merit of the work is enhanced by the precision which is innate to the language of Sanskrit. It combines careful philological scholarship with a broad philosophical vision that freely wanders over the larger philosophical landscape.
By bringing out this translation the author has done immeasurable service in drawing the two traditions of East and the West closer in a way that does not violate the spirit of either.
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