Comparative Philosophy: Concept and Scope

Comparative studies in "philosophical thought" enjoy the greatest important. Because, on the one hand deep and exact recognition of any thing, entails its comparison with others. Through this kind of study, externalism way on philosophy itself is paved. On the other hand, despite fertile fields in philosophy and wide scope for comparative studies in this discipline, in particular in our country, this kind of study has not been properly done. Explaining the possibility and necessity of comparative philosophical studies, the author, tries to contrive. In this regard he first and foremost clarifies concepts of "comparison" and "philosophy". Opponents of comparative studies, whether in sphere of philosophy or other spheres, consider a certain meaning of comparison which, does not matter here. In the other part of the essay, the author expressing that comparison is only possible in the case of diversity, emphasizing on criteria of diversity, discusses in details wide scope of philosophy in which comparison is possible. In second part of this article, which is to be offered in next volume, methods of comparison, its scope, aim and benefit in philosophy is examined.