As part of an attempt to define an anthropological ontology of Western thought, one certainly needs to consider Dharampal's work.
In thought processes, post Industrial Revolution Western civilization, centred in Europe and this is where we certainly need to focus on. I think the Islamic world's obsession with American foreign policy, is no more than a historical diversion, as far as anthropological ontology of Western thought is concerned.
Here I will try to discuss the concept of fences and fencing.
While fencing in the literal sense means "to erect a fence, using materials such as wires, stakes, and rails, to create a barrier or enclosure", a fence itself is often described as - "an enclosure, a barrier, a wall, a weir, a boundary line, a defense against perceived threats".
Thus characterizing the bulk of the achievements of post Industrial Western civilization, may at first glance, seem extremely sweeping, generalist, exaggerated, uncharitable and indeed, un Christian. However, bear with me for a while.
My intention is not to dole out historical kudos or abuses, but to understand from the perspective of a non Westerner, the sum achievements of post industrial Western civilization to reducing the sufferings of men and women, in the West as well as in the non Western world.
Prima facie, having an appreciative eye for the material prosperity of the Western and developed world, one may not have many qualms about giving the bouquet to Western society for their achievements in ridding common sufferings in the Western parts of the world, underpinned by a largely liberal form of governance.
But how has the Western thinker fared with regard to the non Western world.
The Western man, in all his waking moments, can be seen as, - in the process of - "erecting fences" in real literal as well as metaphorical senses.
This to me, is what constitutes a defining characteristic, of the compulsive dynamism of Western thought. Crtitical thought comes much later and derives from this initial, fencing syndrome, that is at the core of Western thought and thinking about world, society and self.
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