Globalization is often seen as a process of universal standardization under the auspices of market economics, technology, and hegemonic power. Resisting this process without endorsing parochial self-enclosure, Fred Dallmayr explores alternative visions that are rooted in distinct vernacular traditions and facilitate cross-cultural learning in an open-ended global arena. Dallmayr charts a 'grassroots' approach to the global village, an approach that relies on ethical and religious traditions and popular beliefs as launching pads for cross-cultural learning, dialogue, and self-transformation. Truly interdisciplinary in nature, Alternative Visions combines general philosophy, the philosophy of religion, and political, cultural, and post-colonial theory. It is an important book for students and scholars in all of these areas of study.