Abstract

In this study of Oriental thought, Danto attempts to sketch the fundamentals of that thought for the western reader. Danto’s thesis is predicated on a distinction between factual and moral beliefs. The former are universal and can be validated or rejected through empirical investigation; the latter are peculiar to the society in which they are found and require no further validation. Yet, Danto argues that the applicability of moral beliefs ought to be dependent on factual beliefs. Hence, if factual beliefs are false, moral beliefs are inapplicable. Specifically, if the factual beliefs of Orientals are false, their moral beliefs have little or no value. The remainder of the book illustrates this thesis in terms of India and China.