Cavell and the thought of other cultures: an introduction

Abstract This introduction sets the scene for the articles and interviews that follow by providing an account of themes and approaches in the work of Stanley Cavell that relate especially to the idea of other cultures. The ‘thought of other cultures' is a richly ambiguous expression. It refers most obviously to the thinking and cultural products of different cultures. But, it also calls into question in what sense the words ‘other' and ‘culture' are to be taken, as well as how far the relationship to other cultures reaches back into the ways that one's ‘home' culture, and indeed one's subjectivity, are to be understood. The account relates these matters both to Cavell's interest, throughout his writings, in education and to his more particular arguments regarding scepticism. The importance of his readings of Emerson, Thoreau, and Wittgenstein are evident in the work of our contributors, and indeed in his own lead essay to this collection, ‘Walden in Tokyo’. In pondering these matters, the idea of the ordinary recurs. Footnotes provide a guide to the rich range of the contributions that ensue.