In Dialogue with the Mahbhrata

The Mahbhrata has been explored extensively as a work of mythology, epic poetry, and religious literature, but the texts philosophical dimensions have largely been under-appreciated by Western scholars. This book explores the philosophical implications of the Mahbhrata by paying attention to the centrality of dialogue, both as the texts prevailing literary expression and its organising structure. Focusing on five sets of dialogues about controversial moral problems in the central story, this book shows that philosophical deliberation is an integral part of the narrative. Black argues that by paying attention to how characters make arguments and how dialogues unfold, we can better appreciate the Mahbhratas philosophical significance and its potential contribution to debates in comparative philosophy today. This is a fresh perspective on the Mahbhrata that will be of great interest to any scholar working in religious studies, Indian/South Asian religions, comparative philosophy, and world literature.