Philosophy of Science and The Kyoto School: An Introduction to Nishida Kitaro, Tanabe Hajime and Tosaka Jun

This book provides an introduction to the Kyoto School, a major Japanese philosophical movement, through the interests and arguments of its founder, Nishida Kitaro, his successor, Tanabe Hajime, and student-turned-critic, Tosaka Jun. It focuses on their contributions to thinking about place, space, and dialectics and connects their work to issues debated in the philosophy of science and physics today. Each chapter engages historical contexts and includes excerpts, translations, focus boxes, a timeline, glossary, and index. It is an ideal starting point for students and lecturers looking to learn more about these influential philosophers and their impact on our current thinking.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 11 March 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This captivating book provides an insightful and comprehensive exploration into a significant Japanese philosophical movement, delving into the interests, arguments, and contributions of its founder, Nishida Kitaro (1870-1945), his successor, Tanabe Hajime (1885-1962), and student-turned-critic, Tosaka Jun (1900-1945). By focusing on their profound insights into the concepts of place, space, and dialectics, this concise introduction brings these influential thinkers to life, showcasing their enduring relevance in contemporary philosophical discourse.

Beginning with an overview of the reception of quantum physics and relativity theory in Japan, the book delves into the philosophical implications of these scientific breakthroughs. It explores how Nishida, Tanabe, and Tosaka interpreted and responded to these theories, drawing upon their unique philosophical perspectives to offer fresh interpretations and insights.

Through carefully chosen excerpts and original translations, the book offers readers a deep understanding of Nishida's philosophical ideas, including his concept of "Absolute Nothingness" and his exploration of the relationship between consciousness and the physical world. Tanabe's contributions are also highlighted, with an emphasis on his philosophical synthesis of Eastern and Western thought and his exploration of the nature of time and space.

Furthermore, Tosaka's critical perspective is explored, as he challenged the orthodoxies of the Kyoto School and offered a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between philosophy and science. His critiques of traditional philosophical methods and his advocacy for a more empirical approach to understanding the world have had a lasting impact on the field.

Each chapter of the book is thoughtfully structured, engaging historical contexts and providing clear explanations of complex concepts and problems of contextualization. Focus boxes offer concise summaries of key ideas, while a timeline, glossary, and index further enhance the reader's understanding of the subject matter. Additionally, a comprehensive further reading list featuring relevant and significant articles and books in English provides valuable resources for those seeking to delve deeper into the works of Nishida, Tanabe, and Tosaka.

This introduction serves as an ideal starting point for students and lecturers interested in exploring the rich tapestry of Japanese philosophy. It offers a comprehensive and accessible overview of three central Japanese philosophers, shedding light on their contributions to thinking about place, space, and dialectics. By connecting their work to contemporary issues in the philosophy of science and physics, the book demonstrates the enduring significance of their ideas and their relevance to our understanding of the world.

Weight: 396g
Dimension: 252 x 176 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350141094