Beyond a Western Self and non-Western Other: Edward Said and his critics on truth and representation

Abstract

This article explores the central arguments Edward Said puts forward in his Orientalism on the epistemological problems surrounding the "West's" knowledge of the "East," particularly the Islamic "East." It then proceeds to examine some of the responses these arguments have elicited from those who object to Orientalism's underlying critique, as exemplified in the writings of Bernard Lewis, and those who accept it with certain qualifications, as exemplified in the writings of Leela Gandhi. Neither of the responses is comprehensive; Lewis's counter-arguments overlook the underlying philosophical issues at stake, whereas Gandhi's response provides a more promising alternative to the future of our knowledge of the "East." I also present some defences of Said's positions that have been criticized by both Lewis and Gandhi.

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