Philosophy of the «Gita» (American University Studies)

This strikingly fresh study of the Bhagavad-gita approaches the Sanskrit classic as a coherent philosophical text. It argues that the well-worn approaches regarding the Gita as religious scripture or literary work are methodologically inadequate and excessively speculative. The book presents and applies a new hermeneutic called archaic coherentism, uncovering a rich synoptic conceptual structure which affords novel insights into the philosophy of action and metaphysical theory. A new translation aiming at conceptual accuracy follows the essays, which deal with war and morality, identity and action, and the humanity of Hinduism. Careful exegesis brings to light textual subtleties that enhance the value of the Gita's philosophy for application to contemporary issues.