The Linguistic Carnival of Thought: Comparative Philosophy and the Dynamics of Language

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Rein Raud

The Linguistic Carnival of Thought

Comparative Philosophy and the Dynamics of Language

Rein Raud

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English

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
13 November 2025

Philosophy of language; Semiotics & semiology

Series: Studies in Comparative Philosophy and Religion

The Linguistic Carnival of Thought: Comparative Philosophy and the Dynamics of Language argues that the practice of philosophizing

is significantly influenced by linguistic structures. Against the widespread view that all languages are reducible to the same matrix on a deep-structural level, Rein Raud presents ample evidence to the contrary, demonstrating how different strategies of predication, postulation, negation, individuation, and so on vary greatly and present incompatible combinations in natural languages, which are nonetheless suitable for precise and rational argumentation.

This book compares the views of language presented by Plato, Kongzi/Xunzi, and Bhartrhari; discusses “pansemioticism,” or the view that reality itself is significant (addressing Yijing, East Asian Buddhism, the Kabbalah, the philosophies of Peirce, Derrida, and others); juxtaposes the set-theoretical ontology of Badiou and the mereological worldview of Huayan Buddhism; and discusses various critiques of the idea of “truth” (Wittgenstein, Deleuze, Foucault) and a way to accommodate them through the logic of Dignaga, among other topics. With examples from languages and philosophical traditions across the world, the book is an ideal introduction to the problematic for monolingual speakers of English and a scintillating exploration for polyglots.

By: Rein Raud
Imprint: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 232mm, Width: 150mm, Spine: 18mm
Weight: 500g
ISBN: 9781793646606
ISBN 10: 1793646600
Series: Studies in Comparative Philosophy and Religion
Pages: 256
Publication Date: 13 November 2025
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Rein Raud is distinguished professor of Asian and cultural studies at the School of Humanities, University of Tallinn, Estonia.