Introduction

Abstract

Abstract The introduction provides the theoretical framework for the volume ranging from Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason via Landsberger’s concept of Eigenbegrifflichkeit (conceptual autonomy) to Assyriological research on ancient Near Eastern epistemic practices, especially Van De Mieroop’s recent volume Philosophy Before the Greeks. Then the introduction explores the field of the history of philosophy with special consideration given to those variants that focus on non-Greek and non-Western versions of philosophy. Thus, it asks whether and how ancient Mesopotamia can be investigated in such a framework. After that the structure of the volume is explained, and a brief summary of each contribution is given. The introduction concludes by thanking the many people who have helped to make this volume possible.