Felsefi problemler olarak oryantalizm ve Avrupamerkezcilik

The identity of Europe, unlike Edward Said claims in his writings, is not solely based upon the alienation of Eastern civilizations and culture. Europe herself asserts superiority upon those societies that remain outside of its circle. For this reason, one should evaluate orientalism as a genre of `Eurocentralism?. Indeed, this attitude of ostracizing certain groups and communities by common consent and thus creating an identity upon this demeanor is not only peculiar to Europe. Throughout history, nearly in every culture one can easily find traces of Shahid Alam?s theory of autocentrism practiced. While in certain periods of time and communities, autocentrism?s dominant effect can be seen effectively, but it is also noteworthy to mention that in certain periods of communities this sort of thought could not even deliver its message among community. Still the idea and practice of autocentrism has been accepted so widely in Europe that, even Jean Paul Sartre, who is known for his sharp criticisms against racism and colonialism, could not escape from the influence of autocentrism in his thoughts on political philosophy. One can even state that his ideas are a recapitulation of Europeancentralism. For this reason, it is vital to examine under which periods of time and communities autocentrism first became a ruling idea.