Cultures, Disciplines, and Differences: Author's Response to Commentators

Abstract

A notable feature of the book Cultural Difference on Trial: The Nature and Limits of Judicial Understanding is its cross-disciplinary ambition. It is a work of philosophy that is informed by the insights of legal theory, psychology, and anthropology. Its subject matter demands such scope. As a result, it is a work that is susceptible to engagement and critique on the part of practitioners across a range of academic disciplines. I am pleased that the three distinguished commentators on the book who participated in this symposium reflect some of that range of perspectives. Each of them embodies one of a number of distinct schools of thought which, historically, have maintained a deep interest in cultural difference, cross-cultural understanding, and the workings of the legal system. Their respective identities as continental philosopher, anthropologist, and socio-legal theorist not only lend a distinctive flavour to each of their papers but also work to generate a multifaceted yet mutually resonant set of insights into the issues raised by the book. I am grateful to each of them – Margaret, Katie, and Gary – for taking the time to read the book and articulate a view on it. Their comments will be of immense value to me in my ongoing thinking about cultural difference and the law.