Further Reflection on Comparison: A Response to Professor Andres Tang

Further Reflection on Comparison: A Response to Professor Andres Tang

Kevin SK CHENG

Various approaches are available for comparative study, including an emphasis on similarities as well as on differences. Similarities and differences can have further nuances; there can be similarities-in-differences and differences-in-similarities. It is obvious that a one-sided emphasis on identifying similarities will yield different results from a one-sided emphasis on differences. But if a one-sided emphasis on similarities merely constitutes the first step, the product will be tentative and will not be final. It would be part of a process . A further step underlying the differences could lead to a revision of the preceding result. It is argued that highlighting similarities or highlighting differences as a first step are equally valid. What approach one takes will depend on the social and cultural location of the author.